Lydd

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LYDD

Incorporated into : 1974 Shepway

Official blazon

Azure on Water in base proper to the dexter a representation of a Church with Tower and Spire thereon a forked Pennon flying to the dexter Argent and to the sinister an Ancient Ship with one mast sail furled passing behind the Church on the stern a Man blowing a Horn all Or a Canton also Argent charged with a Cross between four Lions rampant Gules.

Origin/meaning

The arms were recorded at the Visitations of 1574 and 1619.

The arms are a development of a 13th century seal. The building represents the Church of All Saints, preserving its appearance as it stood at an earlier date. Lydd at one time a corporate member of the Cinque Port of Romney, formerly stood upon an island, but now lies three miles from the sea. The ship therefore has only an historic significance.

What is a canton in the arms is, in the seal, a shield hanging from a hook. The lions were probably derived from the Royal Arms, another suggestion is that the shield was originally meant to show the arms of Hainault in honour of Queen Philippa. Edward III married Philippa of Hainault in 1327.

The Borough arms are now used by the successor Town Council.