Somerset West

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SOMERSET WEST

Province: Cape Province (now Western Cape)
Incorporated into : 1996 Helderberg (2000 Cape Town)

Official blazon

(af)

Wapen: In blou, 'n goue, gekettingde valhek; op 'n skildhoof, ook goud, 'n ondergaande rooi son.
Helmteken: Uitkomend uit 'n rooi muurkroon belaai met drie goue ringe, 'n halwe leeu, ook goud, wat in die regterpoot 'n wingerdtak, gestingel, geblaar en bevrug, van natuurlike kleur, vashou.
Wrong en Dekklede: Blou en goud.
Wapenspreuk: PRORSUM SURSUM

(en)

Arms: Azure, a portcullis chained Or; on a chief of the last a setting sun Gules.
Crest: Issuant from a mural crown Gules, charged with three annulets, a demi-lion, Or, holding in the dexter paw a branch of vine, stalked, leaved and fructed proper.
Wreath and mantling: Azure and Or.
Motto: PRORSUM SURSUM

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on November 25, 1953 (London grant) confirmed on September 6, 1994 (South African Register).

The arms are canting: the portcullis comes from the crest of the arms of the Somerset family (Dukes of Beaufort) arms, and the setting sun denotes the west.

The arms replaced an earlier design approved by the municipal council on April 23, 1935. I have no image thereof.