On this week in 1952, the Coat of Arms was provided to Bishop’s Stortford Urban District Council. Its’ depictions allude to the different parts of the town’s local history and the key buildings that form it.

The local Town Council describes the significance of each part of it. The Mitre, for example, represents the Bishop of London, who gained ownership of the town in 1060. Moreover, the Sheaf of Barley signifies the agricultural and malting industries, which have been historically significant for hundreds of years for the prosperity of local residents.

Our archives offer examples of the Coat of Arms being portrayed on various memorabilia. This includes a China Ashtray. It is also shown here through a Plaster of the Coat of Arms.

Each aspect of the Crest, from the Colour, the shapes and the moto at the bottom (“Pro Deo et Populo” meaning “for God and the People”) help us understand what was and what is important for our town’s history. The link below provides a full outlining of the Coat of Arms and what each part means.

Written and researched by Volunteer Thomas

Sources: Bishop’s Stortford Town Crest | Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and Tourist Information