South Tyneside

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

SOUTH TYNESIDE

Additions : 1974 Boldon UDC, Hebburn UDC, Jarrow UDC, South Shields (Borough)

Official blazon

Arms : Vert an open Book proper bound and clasped between three Escutcheons Or a Chief wavy barry wavy of four Azure ans Argent.
Crest : On a Wreath Argent and Vert issuant from a Mural Crown Or a demi-Lion Argent gorged with a Collar wavy Azure charged with a Bar wany Argent and holding between the paws an Anchor Azure roped proper.
Motto : 'ALWAYS READY'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on February 21, 1987.

The small gold shields of a green background provide a play on the name 'South Shields'. The open book has a double purpose, alluding not only to the Boldon Buke, seen in the crest of the Boldon UDC, but also to Bede's Ecclesiastical History, from the arms of the Borough of Jarrow. The wavy blue and white chief represent the River Tyne, provides maritime symbolism and therefore indicate the seafaring traditions of the Borough.

The white lion refers to the Borough having formerly lain in the ancient County of Durham. The gold mural crown indicates the Council's Borough status. The collar around the lion's neck and the anchor, from the unofficial device of County Borough of South Shields, repeat the marine motif.

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones (laurencejones@eircom.net)