Dorking

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

DORKING (Urban District Council)

Incorporated into : 1974 Mole Valley

Official blazon

Arms : Chequy Or and Azure a Pale Gules thereon a Lion rampant per fesse of the first and Argent between in chief a Ducal Coronet Gold and in base a Sprig of Oak fructed also Argent.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours within a Mural Crown Argent a Mount Vert standing thereon a Dorking Cock proper.
Motto : 'VIRTUTE ET VIGILANTIA' - By courage and vigilance

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on August 24, 1954.

The arms represent the passing of the Manor of Dorking from the Warrennes to the Howards. The gold and blue chequers are from the arms of the Warrennes, ancient Earls of Surrey. The first Earl recieved the the Manor with his bride, the daughter of William I. The Manor then passed to the FitzAlans of Arundel, who bore a gold lion on red, and then to the Morbays, who bore a white lion on red. These two lions are combined on the red pale, which also represents the old Roman Road. The ducal coronet refers to the Dukes of Norfolk, who later came into possession of the Manor.

The white acorn is from the arms of the Surrey County Council, and is part of the heraldry of the Dukes of Norfolk, who are also Earls of Surrey.

The mural crown is a familiar symbol of local government and in this case is coloured to indicate the many buildings hereabouts made of Dorking lime. The mound represents the local heights, especially Box Hill and upon this is a cock of the distinctive five-toed Dorking breed.

The motto is a quotation from Cicero.