Abergavenny

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ABERGAVENNY

Incorporated into: 1974 Monmouth

Official blazon

Arms: Gules a Saltire Argent between a Rose in chief and two Fleurs-de-Lis in fesse and a Portcullis chained in base Or.
Crest: On a Wreath of the Colours upon the Trunk of a Tree fessewise eradicated and sprouting to the dexter proper a Bull passant Argent pied and unguled Sable gorged with a Collar and Chain reflexed over the back and charged on the body with two Fleurs-de-Lis Or.
Motto: 'HOSTES NUNC AMICI' - Foes now friends.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on March 27, 1901, transferred to the town council on April 19, 1976.

The white saltire is from the heraldry of Nevill, Marquess of Abergavenny. The rose and portcullis were used as badges by the Nevills to indicate their descent from Joan de Beaufort, daughter of John of Gaunt and wife of Nevill, first Earl of Westmorland. The fleurs-de-lis, royal emblems, denote the Marquess's descent, through John of Gaunt, from Edward III.

The pied bull is also derived from the Nevill crest and supporters.