coat of arms

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Brighton & Hove City coat of arms

Between downs and sea we flourish

When the two districts of Brighton and Hove merged to become a city and unitary authority in April 1997, a new coat of arms was approved by Royal Garter. The design of the new coat of arms amalgamated the designs of the old Brighton and Hove boroughs.

Aspects from the old Brighton borough coat of arms

The Brighton Borough Council Armorial Bearings were issued by the College of Heralds in 1897.

The two dolphins are the main feature and have a lengthy history in Brighton, but their exact origin is hard to trace. The commissioners of Brighton, who were the local governing body in the first half of the 19th Century, used two dolphins as their seal.

Around the time of 1800AD the two leading families were Scrase and Lashmar. The Scrase family were represented amongst the commissioners and associated with the Manor of Brighton. One of the Lashmar's family members was the High Constable in 1799. Both of these families had dolphins on their family coat of arms.

It isn't clear whether the dolphins were added because of the town's proximity to the sea or because of the powerful influence of these two families.

Aspects from the old Hove borough coat of arms

The Hove Borough Council Armorial Bearings were issued in 1899 by the College of Heralds.

The ship depicts a French Galley that has run aground on a shore of shingle. It commemorates the French attacks on the cost of Hove in the early 16th Century. The blue border containing six martlets that surrounds the coat of arms represents the county of Sussex.

Heraldic description

The ancient study of coats of arms is called Heraldry. Traditionally coats of arms are described by written methods only, in a specific language called blazon. From these descriptions the coat of arms is drawn-up (emblazoned). The heraldic description for Brighton & Hove City Council's coat of arms is:

• Arms: Argent two Dolphins naiant on a bordure Azure six Martlets Argent

• Crest: On a Helm with a Wreath Argent and Azure upon a Mount of Shingle Argent an Ancient Ship Azure oars and sail Argent a Banner flying from the masthead to the dexter Azure
  

• Motto: INTER UNDAS ET COLLES FLOREMUS translates to "between downs and sea we flourish"

Symbols in the crest

Various meanings can be drawn from the symbols depicted in coats of arms.

• Dolphins: Symbolise resurrection, charity, love, diligence and swiftness.
• Martlets: Birds with no feet, and occasionally no beak, that are linked to swallows. They are said symbolise the fourth son which represents having to leave home to find subsistence. The fact that they have no feet implies they are connected with heavenly matters and subsist on virtue. They also represent swiftness in business, resurrection and spring.
• Ancient Ship: These are often placed into coats of arms to represent some ancient sea voyage or expedition by which the place became famous.
• Azure: Colour (blue) symbolises loyalty and truth.
• Argent: Colour (silver) represents peace and sincerity.

Further information

• London College of Arms
• Family crests and coats of arms from around the world
• Heraldry Society
• Brighton & Hove Albion FC coat of arms (includes coat of arms pictures for the old Brighton and Hove boroughs)
• A local history tour of Brighton
• Symbolism in art
• The meaning of symbolism