Wisbech RDC

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WISBECH (Rural district council)

Incorporated into : 1974 Fenland

Official blazon

Arms : Barry wavy of eight Argent and Vert a Cornucopia erect Or the fruit proper all within a Bordure Gules charged with eight Ducal Coronets Gold.
Crest : Out of a Circlet Argent charged with three Mullets Sable a demi Lion also Argent gorged with a Ducal Coronet Or and supporting a Staff of the first flying therefrom a Banner Azure charged with a Lily Flower also Argent; Mantled Vert doubled Argent.
Motto: 'THESAUROS IN AGRO' - For we have treasures in the field

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on October 11, 1954.

The shield indicates the topography and character of the district. The green and white waves represent the rich agricultural land and the River Nene and other Fen waterways. The horn of plenty, filled with fruit, flowers and cereals, represents the fertility of the land and its principal agricultural and horticultural products. The traditional East Anglian crowns are from the arms of the See and County Council of Ely, eight in number to represent the eight Ely parishes comprising the Rural District.

The circlet bears the three black stars of the Towneley family, the lion is that of the Colvilles and the ducal coronet which links with those in the shield stands for the Dukes of Bedford. The staff bearing a banner of blue with a white lily flower refers to St. Mary in commemoration of the several monastic foundations in the area dedicated to her.

The motto is taken from the Book of Jeremiah.