Seaford

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

SEAFORD (Urban District Council)

Incorporated into : 1974 Lewes

Official blazon

Arms : Argent on Water barry wavy a Lymphad sailing to the sinister proper Pennons flying Gules a Chief per pale of the last and or thereon to the dexter two demi-Lions passant guardant Gold conjoined with as many Sterns of Ships of the field in pale and to the sinister an Eagle displayed Sable.
Motto : 'E VENTIS VIRES' - From the wind, strength.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on April 18, 1953 and are presently used by Seaford Town Council.

The lymphad or ancient ship is similar to one on Seaford’s original corporation seal, a reminder of the town’s former status as a port. The "lion-hulks" (half lion and half ship) appear in the arms or badges of many Cinque Ports member towns, and here serves as a reminder that Seaford for some hundreds of years was associated with the group as a “limb” of Hastings.

The eagle, also represented on the old town seal, comes from the arms of the d'Aquila family who owned land hereabouts in medieval times.

Literature : Image and information from here