Deal

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

DEAL (Borough)

Incorporated into : 1974 Dover

Official blazon

Arms : Per pale gules and azure, three demi lions passant guardant in pale dimidiated with three demi hulks of ships Or; on a chief azure a representation of the Silver Oar of the Cinque Ports.
Crest : On a wreath of the colours, Two towers proper.
Supporters : On the dexter side a Roman centurion and on the sinister side a Royal Marine in full dress uniform, the whole upon a rocky mount, all proper.
Motto : Adjuvate advenas

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on March 4, 1968.

The arms are derived from the town's seal, in turn this was based upon the arms of the Cinque Ports, Deal being a non-corporate member of Sandwich. Deal's charter of incorporation in 1699 is unique within the Confederation in specifying that the town's seal should show the arms of the Cinque Ports. The silver oar is the symbol of the authority of the Admiral of the Cinque Ports.

The two towers were previously used, placed above the arms of Sandwich, the town's Head Port. The towers almost certainly derive from those upon the mayoral seal, which also dates from 1699. They were said to represent Sandown and Deal castles on the northern and southern edges of the town, although neither was in the original Borough of Deal.

The centurion alludes to Deal being the approximate site of the Roman invasion of 55BC and the Royal Marine, is a reminder of the service's centuary of association with the town.

The motto is a reference to Deal's lifeboatmen and fishermen who, over the centuries, have saved many lives at sea.