Chesham

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

CHESHAM (urban district council)

Incorporated into: 1974 Chiltern

Official blazon

Arms : Per Fesse Or and Gules a Fesse counter-compony Argent and Sable between in chief two Beech Trees couped and in base a Swan rousant proper Ducally gorged chained and membered Gold.
Crest : Out of a Coronet composed of four Lilies and as many Chess Rooks alternately set upon a Rim Argent a Buck's head proper; Mantled Gules doubled Or.
Motto : 'SERVE ONE ANOTHER'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on February 20, 1961.

The colours gold, black, red, white and green reflect the colours of the County arms. The two beech trees represent the Chiltern woodlands, which have contributed so much to the prosperity of the town and the beauty of the neighbourhood. The black and white chequers refer to the River Chess, which takes its name from Chesham. The swan with outstretched wings and a golden collar is the emblem of Buckingham and of its Dukes.

The unique coronet of white lily-flowers, the principal emblem of St. Mary, Patron of Chesham, and chess rooks, a further reference to the River Chess. The chequers of the arms and the chess rooks both formed part of the device of the Council, before the arms were granted. The buck's head is derived from the supporter of both the County arms and those of the Cavendish family, who have been Barons Chesham since 1858.

The motto is from the Epistle to the Galatians, Chapter V, Verse 13.

The arms are now used by the town council.