Wanstead and Woodford

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

WANSTEAD AND WOODFORD

Incorporated into : 1965 Redbridge

Official blazon

Arms : Azure a Cross flory Argent between in the first and fourth quarters a Leopard's Face and in the second and third quarters a Martlet Or.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours in front of a Hurst of Trees proper three Fountains.
Supporters : On either side a Heron proper gorged with a Saxon Crown Or.
Motto : 'CONSILIO ET ANIMO' - By wisdom and courage

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on October 6, 1937.

The martlets and leopard's faces are derived from the arms attributed to Edward the Confessor and King Harold, who gave the manors of Wanstead and Woodford the abbeys of Westminster and Waltham respectively. The cross flory alludes further to the monastic overlordship of the manors by these two powerful abbeys.

The hurst of trees represents Epping Forest and the woods which once flourished to a greater extent hereabouts, and from which Woodford takes its name. The heraldic fountains refer to the springs and streams of the district.

The herons, which once abounded in these marshy districts of Essex, are derived from the device used by the former Wanstead Urban District Council. The Saxon Crown refers to the fact that Wanstead and Woodford were both Royal manors in Saxon times.

Literature : Information and image from Scott-Giles, 1953 and here.