Elstree

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

ELSTREE

Incorporated into: 1974 Hertsmere

Official blazon

Arms : Ermine issuant from a Base barry wavy of four Argent and Azure a Mount Vert thereon an Oak Tree proper fructed and charged on the branches with a Saxon Crown Or on a Chief of the last on a Pale between two Escallops of the third a Saltire Gold.
Crest : On a Wreath Argent and Azure a demi Hart proper gorged with a mural Crown Or and supporting with the sinister forehoof a Cinematograph Spool loaded with Film all proper.
Motto : 'DO WELL AND FEAR NOT'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on March 20, 1957.

The background of royal ermine, represents the royal visits to and associations with the district, principally the visit of Henry VIII and his court to Tyttenhanger in 1525 to avoid the "sweatinge sicknesse" and the visits of Charles II to Salisbury Hall in Shenley.

The oak tree with the Saxon crown represents Saxon Elstree - "Tidwulf's tree" - around which the district has grown. The tree also represents Boreham Wood and the district's woodlands, the gold acorns symbolize growth and prosperity. The waves at the base represent the River Colne, Aldenham Reservoir and link with the waves in the arms of the Hertfordshire CC and the Greater London Council.The gold saltire on blue is from the arms of the Abbey of St. Albans, the manor of Elstree came into the possesion of the Abbey in 1188, and Tyttenhanger in Ridge stands on the site of a former possesion of the Abbey, and the whole area lies in the Liberty of St. Albans. The scallop shells, the badge of pilgrims, recalls their passage along Watling Street through Elstree to St. Albans.

The hart is from one of the supporters of the County Council arms, wearing a mural crown, symbol of civic government. The spool of film (unique in civic heraldry) recalls the industry which had made the name of Elstree and Boreham Wood so widely known in modern times.

The motto is taken from the wall of Shenley Cage, and also links with the County motto "Trust and fear not".

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones (laurencejones@eircom.net)