Pembrokeshire

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

PEMBROKESHIRE

Incorporated into : 1974 Dyfed
Re-established as a Unitary Authority in 1996
Additions : 1996 Preseli (1974 Cemaes RDC, Fishguard & Goodwick UDC, Haverfordwest (Borough), Haverfordwest RDC, Milford Haven UDC, Neyland UDC), South Pembrokeshire (1974 Narberth UDC, Narberth RDC, Pembroke (Borough), Pembroke RDC, Tenby (Borough))

Official blazon

Arms : Quarterly first and fourth per fesse Gules and Or in chief a Lion passant and in base two Fleur-de-lys counterchanged second and third Argent two Bars Gules over all a Cross Sable and a Bordure Argent charged with eight Martlets and as many Ermine Spots Sable.
Crest : Issuant from a Mural Crown Or a Rock proper thereon an Eagle wings elevated and addorsed Gold; Mantled Gules doubled Or.
Supporters : On the dexter side a Lion Or gorged with a Collar and charged on the shoulder with a Fleur-de-Lys Gules and on the sinister side a Dragon Gules gorged with a Collar and charged on the shoulder with a Fleur-de-Lys Or.
Motto : 'EX UNITATE VIRES' - Strength from unity

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on October 11, 1937; in 1996 the new council was allowed to take over the old arms.

The fleurs-de-lys, lions and martlets are from the arms of Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke, whose arms (Quarterly France and England within a Bordure Azure charged with eight Martlets Or) were formerly used by the County. The Tudors were closely associated with Pembrokeshire, and Henry VII was born at Pembroke Castle.

The mural crown refers to the castles of Pembrokeshire, and the rock to its rugged coastline, while the eagle represents wildlife.

The lion and the dragon refer to the County's dual heritage; the northern part being predominantly Welsh and the southern part English. The County is sometimes called 'little England beyond Wales'. The motto signifies the unity of these two elements.

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