Preesall

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

PREESALL (Urban district council)

Incorporated into : 1974 : Wyre

Official blazon

Arms : Azure on a Chevron between in chief two Griffin's Heads erased and in base a Martlet Or a Rose Gules barbed and seeded proper between two Fountains.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours an ancient Galley sails furled Or with Pennons of St. George and pendent from the mast-head by a Knot Azure a Cross-Bow Gules.
Motto : 'PRAE SALEM NOTANDA' - Famed for salt or The well-kown place by the sea

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on June 2, 1950.

The chevron and griffins' heads are from the arms of the Elletson family of Parrox Hall and the martlet is from the arms of the Fleetwood family of Hackinsall Hall. The rose refers to the County, and the fountains allude to the Fairy Well and the salt or brine workings.

The ship indicates the maritime associations of the distiict, including its ancient fisheries and ferry. The knot stands for Knott End, and the cross-bow (or arbalest) is for Geoffrey l'Arbalestier, who received the Manor of Preesall and Hackinsall in 1190, and was the ancestor of local families.

The motto comprises a play on the name.