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Northamptonshire’s coat of arms is a fitting symbol of the rich historical heritage the county boasts – whilst also illustrating its lasting influence in 21st century Britain.
Not only striking in its appearance the coat of arms sums up the long association Northamptonshire has with the throne and epitomises the proud tradition of the county which still holds true today. |
The county’s association with the monarchy is well known and documented from the sitting of parliament at Northampton up to 1380 and the connection of Fotheringhay Castle with the Plantagenet Kings with the execution of Mary Queen of Scots and the birth of Richard III at the castle.
Also in 1164 while the King and the Church contended for power the archbishop of Canterbury was brought to trial in Northampton by the King.
Because of this rich tradition many of the symbols of the crest can be found in the coats of arms of monarchs throughout history.
The subtle use of the silver falcon at the top of the crest harks to the crest of Edward III and his great great great great grandson Edward IV who was linked to the county through his marriage at Grafton Regis to Elizabeth Woodville, she was crowned in 1465. The symbol of the lock is also borrowed from this coat of arms.
The imposing images of the Black Bull and the White Hart together pay tribute to the county’s leather industry heritage. The Black Bull is from the coats of arms of the third son of Edward III while the White Hart is that of Richard II heir to Edward III and also represents the ancient royal forests of Rockingham, Salcey and Whittlebury and the Steel Industry.
Another striking part of the crest is the red and white wreath which was the livery of the House of Plantagenet. The two roses below it represent the two branches of Plantagenet – that of Lancaster and of York.
This rose was used as an emblem of peace following the Wars of the Roses - a vital battle of which was fought in Northamptonshire. This finally joined together, through marriage, the houses of Lancaster represented by the red rose and of York represented by the white rose.
Perhaps the most renowned part of the crest is the Tudor rose. This rose also gives the crest its motto – Rosa Concordiae Signum meaning The Rose – Emblem of Harmony.
The Escallop shells on the crest show the influence of the Spencer Family on life in the county. The shells are not only included on the Spencer family arms but are also on the coats of arms of Princes William and Harry.
The coats of arms therefore not only reflects the rich heritage of Northamptonshire’s past, its historical importance on the national stage, its central position in the leather industry and the pride in ancient woodlands; but it also acts as a symbol of the significant role the county still plays today in 21st century Britain.