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Monday 10 December 2012

ESAH Grant of Arms (2)



A marvellous evening was held at Ingatestone Hall in May 2010 when a ‘Grant of Arms’ was given to the Essex Society for Archaeology and History.  (For the news story see http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/Essex-s-oldest-society-granted-coat-arms/story-12650499-detail/story.html ).

Thomas Woodcock, Norray and Ulster, wrote for the ‘Essex Archaeology & History’ (aka ‘Transactions’) Series 3, Volume 40:

“The arms are based on those of the County of Essex namely Gules three Seaxes fessewise in pale Argent hilts and pommels Or points to the sinister and cutting edges upwards.  These arms were granted to Essex County Council by the Letters Patent of Garter, Clarenceux and Norray Kings of Arms dated 15 July 1932 …. .  The arms to the Essex Society for Archaeology and History have been varied by those of county as the seaxes enfile [the term of blazon meaning to thread or pass through] Saxon Crowns as a reference to the East Saxons from which the county takes its name and are shown vertically rather than horizontally.

“The crest shows a demi-Griffin grasping a Seaxe and resting the sinister foreclaws on a Roman helmet …. .

“Mottoes do not technically form part of the grant of arms … might be translated as ‘A Love of Essex Leads Me’ is most appropriate.”

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