ARMS: Gules three Seaxes fessewise in pale Argent pomels and hilts Or points to the sinister and cutting edges upwards.

Granted 15th July 1932.

Picture used with permission, do not reproduce.

There is a certain amount of mystery as to why Essex adopted three seaxes for its arms, but they were in use in forms similar to the official grant long before it was made.
It has been suggested by some writers, that the weapons were chosen as a pun on the name of the County, which was called 'Eastseaxe' in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Although three seaxes on a red field are often quoted as the arms of the of the kings of the East Saxons, heraldry as we know it was not established until the early twelfth century, and it is probably due to the fanciful and romantic minds of early historians and heraldic writers in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries that 'arms' were attributed to the Saxon kings. However badges and emblems have been used by nations, sovereigns and chieftains from earliest times, and perhaps the 'arms' attributed to the Saxon kings by the medieval heralds were based upon some of these badges. The earliest reference the arms of the East Saxon kings was by Richard Verstegan, the author of A Restitution of Decayed Intelligence, printed in Antwerp in 1605. Verstegan gives no authority for his statement "Erkenwyne king of the East-Saxons did beare for his armes, three [seaxes] argent, in a field gules", but there is no reason to doubt that he believed his source was reliable.
John Speed in his Historie of Great Britaine (1611), also gives similar arms for Erkenwyne, but he seems to have doubts and his statement is qualified with the statement "as some or our heralds have emblazed".
The reputed arms of the Saxon kings appear in various manuscripts, and several mention Essex; Randle Holmes (one of four heraldic writers of this name living between 1571 and 1707) attributed a plain red shield to Essex. Middlesex and part of Hertfordshire belonged to the East Saxon Kingdom, in fact the arms now regarded as those of Essex can be seen on several older buildings formerly in Middlesex. When Middlesex County Council was granted arms in 1910 the design consisted of the traditional arms with the addition of a Saxon Crown. In 1770, Peter Muilman published the first volume of his History of Essex, the frontpiece of which shows a female figure with a shield by her side bearing three seaxes, which look rather like fish-knives, similar arms are shown in the Chelmsford Gazette (1822). The Essex Equitable Insurance Society, establish in Colchester in 1802, used the arms without authority on their fire plate. The flag of the Third Regiment of the Essex Local Militia, now hanging in Chelmsford Cathedral, shows a shield with three curved swords, but without notches. The regiment existed between 1809 and 1817. A print of Braintree Market (1826) shows three swords, more like cutlasses, and similar weapons are seen in the Sheriff's official stamp used from about 1850 until the present day.

ARMS: Gules a Pale Or between two Seaxes in pale points upward Argent hilts pommels and quillons Or over all a Fess wavy Argent charged with a Bar wavy Sable in chief a Lion rampant Azure a like Lion in base.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours on a Mount Vert in front of a Garb Or a Boar passant Azure crined and unguled Or supporting with the dexter fore-hoof a Maltese Cross Gules.
SUPPORTERS: On either side a Lion Sable gorged with a Riband Argent pendent therefrom by a Ring a Mullet Argent surmounted of a Pentagon Or fimbriated and charged with a Fleur-de-Lys Vert and holding in the month a Shuttle erect threaded proper.
BADGE: A Mullet Argent surmounted of a Pentagon Or fimbriated and charged with a Fleur-de-Lys Vert.

Motto 'BY WISDOM AND FORESIGHT'.
Granted 15th October 1974.

The Braintree District was formed by the amalgamation of the Braintree and Bocking Urban District, the Halstead Urban District, the Witham Urban District, the Braintree Rural District and the Halstead Rural District.

The red background was common to the arms of the Braintree and Bocking UDC, the Braintree RDC and the County Council. The seaxes are also from the County Arms. The blue lions on gold, seen in the arms of the Braintree and Bocking UDC, are from the arms of William de Sancta Maria, Bishop of London, who obtained from King John a Charter for the holding of a market and fairs at Braintree, which led to the village's development into a market town. The black wave edged in white, from the arms of the Braintree RDC, was a pun in reference to the River Blackwater, but here also refers to the Rivers Brain and Colne the other main waterways of the area.
The wheatsheaf upon a grassy mound, from the crest of the Halstead UDC, refers to the agricultural importance of the areas of both the former Halstead Councils. The blue boar is from the crest of the de Veres, a powerful family in the middle ages, who were seated in and prominent in the history of the Halstead Rural District area. The red Maltese cross was the emblem of the Knights Templer, who held the Manor of Witham and whose first possession in England was at Cressing Temple.
The black lions are those of Flanders and allude to the Flemish weavers, who were in 1304 invited to settle and established the local textile industry, first at Bocking and Shalford and later at Halstead, Coggeshall and Dedham. The weaver's shuttle in the lion's mouths, from the arms of the Halstead UDC, and the white ribands about their necks further emphasise this industry. The white five pointed stars are from the arms of the de Veres and the gold pentagon alludes to the union of the five former authorities. The green fleur-de-lys, as seen in the arms of Braintree and Bocking UDC, are from the arms of the Courtauld family, who were the first to establish silk-weaving in Braintree and also had connections with Halstead.
The motto is an English translation of the Halstead UDC motto; 'CONSILIO ET PRUDENTIA'.

ARMS: Per fesse rayonée Argent and Gules in chief a Cornish Chough proper between two Pilgrim's Staves erect Sable in base three Ancient Crowns two and one Or.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours rising from the Battlements of a Tower Azure a demi Stag Or.

Motto 'ARDENS FIDE' - Burning faith.
Granted 1st August 1951, to the Brentwood Urban District Council.

The Borough of Brentwood was formed by the amalgamation of the Brentwood Urban District and the parishes of Ingatestone and Fryering and Mountnessing from the Chelmsford Rural District and the parishes of Blackmore, Doddinghurst, Kelvedon Hatch, Navestock and Stondon Massey from the Epping and Ongar Rural District.

The division of the shield rayonée, which gives the appearance of flames refers to the 'burnt wood' from which the name Brentwood is derived. The crowns are from the arms of the Abbey of St. Osyth which held land in the area from the time of Henry II until its dissolution. The chough is from the arms of St. Thomas Becket, patron saint of the town, and to whom the old Pilgrim's Chapel in the High Street is dedicated. The palmer's or pilgrim's staves refer to the fact that Brentwood stood on the pilgrim's route to Canterbury, as is indicated by the name of 'Pilgrims Hatch' outside Brentwood.
The battlements of the tower are a pun in reference to the Tower family, the late owners of the ancient manor house of Weald Hall. The stag is a reminder of the deer formerly seen in Weald and Thordon Country Parks, and which have now been reintroduced to Weald Country Park.
The motto is descriptive of the name 'Burnt Wood' and refers also to faith in God, our fellow men and our future.

ARMS: Per chevron embattled per pale Gules and Vert and barry wavy Argent and Azure in chief two Ancient Crowns Or and in base on a Lozenge Vert a Mound of Earth issuant from its base and thereon a representation of a Canvey Island Dutch Cottage proper.
CREST: On a Wreath Or Gules and Vert within a Circlet of Oyster Shells proper and between two Stalks of Wheat leaved Or a Tower triple towered Gold.

Motto 'SOCIETAS FLOREBIT' - Fellowship will blossom.
Granted 30th September 1987.

The Borough of Castle Point was formed by the amalgamation of the Benfleet Urban District and the Canvey Island Urban District.

Picture used with permission, do not reproduce.

The division of the shield into three follows the pattern of the arms of the Benfleet UDC, where the red and green sections symbolised the urban and rural areas. The red section also refers to the fact that Thundersley was long a Royal Honour and the green refers to Hadleigh's Royal Park. The ancient crowns refer to the old Kingdom of the East Saxons and emphasise the Borough's royal connections. The crenellated division of the shield refers to the name Castle Point. The wavy blue and white lines, the heraldic symbol for water, were common to the arms of both former Councils. The green lozenge from the arms of Canvey Island UDC, suggests an island surrounded by water, on this is a Canvey Island Dutch Cottage from the crest of Canvey Island UDC. Two Dutch cottages survive and date from the seventeenth century, when they housed the Dutch workers engaged in land reclamation.
The oyster shells, also from the Canvey Island arms refer to the areas oyster beds. The tower is another reference to the name of the Borough and the stalks of wheat symbolise agriculture, these are coloured gold for excellence.
The motto is that of Benfleet UDC, and can be translated; 'The association (here referring to the corporate body) will prosper'.

ARMS: Argent three Bars wavy Azure on a Chief indented Gules a Saltire couped between two Mullets Argent.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours a Garb Or transfixed with a Seax and a Sword in saltire points upwards both proper.
SUPPORTERS: Dexter a Lion Azure supporting an Episcopal Crozier Or sinister a like Lion supporting an Abbatical Crozier Or with Veil proper upon a Compartment comprising a triple arched Stone Bridge above Water barry wavy.

Motto 'MANY MINDS ONE HEART'.
Granted 3rd March 1975.

The Borough of Chelmsford was formed by the amalgamation of the former Borough of Chelmsford and the Chelmsford Rural District except for two parishes now in the Brentwood District.

Picture with permission, do not reproduce.

The design is based upon the arms of the Chelmsford RDC, which were based upon the arms of the Montchensy family (Argent three Bars wavy Azure), the bars were made wavy to represent the Rivers Can and Chelmer. The indented chief is reminiscent of the arms of Westminster Abbey which was closely associated with the Manor of Moulsham, part of which comprised the original Borough. The white saltire is derived from the arms of the de Vere family, the heirs to the original Earls of Essex.
The gold wheatsheaf is from the crest of the Chelmsford RDC with the addition of a seax from the arms of the County Council and one of the swords from the crest of the former Borough , these were derived from the arms of the See of London, in which Chelmsford was originally situated.
The left-hand supporter holds an episcopal crozier, a reference to the Sees of London and Chelmsford. The right-hand supporter holds an abbatical crozier, a reference to the Abbot of Westminster. The blue lions, seen in the arms of the former Borough, are derived from the arms of the Mildmay family, who came into the possession of the Manor of Chelmsford at the time of the Reformation and were later granted the Manor of Moulsham by Elizabeth I. The triple arched stone bridge over water is derived from the arms of the former Borough, and recalls the bridge built over the River Can by Morris, Bishop of London and Lord of the Manor of Chelmsford circa 1100.
The motto is that of the former Borough and is said to have been suggested by Mr. A.J. Furbank, who acted as provisional town clerk at the time of incorporation.

ARMS: Gules a Cross raguly couped proper the arms joined in fylfot between two Ducal Coronets in chief Or the bottom part of the cross enfiled with a Ducal Coronet of the last beneath each coronet a Nail of the first each piercing the cross.

ARMS: Gules four Pieces of Wood raguly conjoined in a cross proper each side arm transfixed with a Nail palewise Sable ensigned by an Ancient Crown Or and that in base enfiling a like Crown and transfixed by a like Nail in bend.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours issuant from a Chaplet of Roses alternately Gules and Argent a Female Figure habited Azure and Veiled Argent crowned Or holding a Passion Cross Or.
SUPPORTERS: To the dexter a Roman Centurion habited and holding in his dexter hand a Short Sword proper and to the sinister an Oyster Fisherman habited and holding in his sinister hand a Length of Rope proper each standing on a Compartment comprising a Grassy Mound proper and an Estuary barry wavy Argent and Azure.
BADGE: A Roundel Or charged with a Raven facing sinister Sable the whole ensigned with an Ancient Crown also Or and otherwise encircled alternately with Oyster Shells Argent and Strawberry Fruit proper.

The earliest record of the arms of the Borough occurs in the Charter granted to the town by Henry V on 7th July 1413. The Charter has an illuminated initial letter showing the arms and the figures of St. Helena holding a cross and her son, Constantine, around her is a scroll with a Latin inscription, stating among other things that she was born in Colchester. The Common Seal of the Borough, which dates from the early fifteenth century also depicts St. Helena. St. Helena was evidently regarded at this time as the patron saint of Colchester and it seems that the arms were designed to commemorate the various legends surrounding her. St. Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great and it is due to her influence that her son became a Christian and enacted the edict of Toleration in AD 313. As a result of a vision, she went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem around AD 326, during which she discovered three crosses on the site of Golgotha. One of the crosses was still green and like a tree with the branches lopped off. Its identity as the True Cross was proved by the restoration to health of a dying woman upon its touch. Helena divided the cross into four parts and sent a piece to each of the principal churches in Jerusalem, Alexandria and Rome, while retaining the fourth for herself. According to legend St. Helena had many other visions, one of which directed her to Asia Minor. Here she discovered relics of the Magi (whom medieval legend regarded as kings). These relics were sent to Milan, and were later interred in a shrine in Cologne Cathedral (where they are commemorated by the three crowns in the arms of that city). When taking into consideration stories the design can be interpreted as follows; The True Cross is shown as a green living tree divided into four parts by a fylfot (it is interesting to note that the fylfot or swastika, although now associated with the Nazis, is a very ancient symbol of good fortune). The cross is pierced by the iron nails of the crucifixion and is surmounted by the crowns of the Magi or Three Kings, and the field is red for the blood of Christ. From the sixteenth century until 1915 the following arms were in use;

Gules two Staves raguly and couped Argent one in pale surmounted by another in fess between two Ducal Coronets in chief Or the lower part of the vertical Stave enfiled with a like Coronet.

As a result of a report by Alderman Gurney Benham in 1915, the Council resolved to revert to the use of the original arms. The reason for the change in design is thought to be due to the reformation (mid sixteenth century), when there was a strong movement against Catholic traditions, especially the veneration of relics, such as those commemorated in the arms. At the time of the Herald's Visitation of Essex in 1634 the Borough arms were recorded with the cross white and the fylfot and nails omitted. The reversion to the original arms has not been recognised by the College of Heralds and suspicion has been cast upon the green coloration of the cross, as it is a rule in heraldry that colour can only be placed upon a metal (i.e. silver or gold), however if the object is depicted proper, as it is in this case then the rule can be broken.

ARMS: Argent a Cross engrailed Sable over all a Bugle Horn ensigned with an Ancient Crown Or on a Chief Vert four Axeheads bendwise Argent.
CREST: On a Wreath Argent and Gules upon a Mount Vert in front of a Castle of three Towers each domed and ensigned with a Cross Crosslet all Gules a Stag courant proper.
SUPPORTERS: On either side a Stag guardant proper holding in the mouth a Seax Argent the hilt and pommel inwards Or.
BADGE: A Stag's Head caboshed proper holding in the mouth a Seax Argent the hilt and pommel to the dexter Or.

Motto 'PER CRUCEM PER CORONAM' - Through the Cross through the Crown.
Granted 31st December 1975.

The Epping Forest District was formed by the amalgamation of the Chigwell Urban District, the Epping Urban District, the Waltham Holy Cross Urban District and the Epping and Ongar Rural District except for the five parishes now in the Brentwood District.

Picture used with permission, do not reproduce.

The black cross on white, seen in the arms of the Waltham Holy Cross UDC, is from the arms of Waltham Abbey, which held most of the land in the area in the middle ages and was the last to be dissolved under Henry VIII. The hunting horn, from the crest of the Chigwell UDC, was the symbol of office of the Master Keepers, an office commonly held in later centuries by the lords of the Forest manors, it can also be seen as a reference to Sir Robert Hunter, who gave valuable advice to the Corporation of London, in the action which brought the Forest under its control. The ancient crown denotes that this was a Royal Forest. The axe-heads, like those in the arms as Chigwell UDC, represent the authority of the four Verderers, who were originally judicial officers appointed by the Crown to administer the Forest laws, they can also be seen as representing the lopping rights enjoyed by the villagers of Loughton which figured in the famous Willingale case.
The red and white wreath is in the principal colours the arms of the Essex County Council and the livery colours of the Corporation of London . The grassy mount signifies the 'aungre' or grazing ground from which Ongar derives its name and also recalls the struggle of the Commoners to preserve their grazing rights. The castle represents that built at Ongar by Richard de Lucy, Chief Justiciar to Henry II, and who obtained the rights for a market and fair for the town. It is red like Richard's arms and the three crosslets surmounting its domes are from the arms of Waltham Abbey. The leaping stag is derived from the device used by the Epping Urban District Council.
The stags are derived from the crest of the Waltham Holy Cross Urban District Council. They are royal stags and fallow bucks because this was a Royal Forest. The seaxes are from the arms of the Essex County Council.
The motto summarises the history of the district, the Cross brought the Abbey and the Royal Forest brought rights for the commoners, which led to the Forest being won for the People.The red and white wreath is in the principal colours the arms of the County Council.

ARMS: Gules a Chevron between in chief two Fleurs-de-Lys and in base a Lion rampant Or grasping in the dexter forepaw a Civic Mace Argent a Pomegranate slipped leaved and seeded proper between two Mascles chevronwise of the first.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours on a Woolpack proper a Boar passant Azure armed unguled and charged on the flank with three Crescents two and one Or holding in the mouth three Stalks of Barley and a Spray of Hops also proper.

Motto 'MAY DUNMOW PROSPER'.
Granted 20th April 1956, to the Great Dunmow Parish Council.

Picture by R.Young, Great Dunmow, 2004.

The basic colours, the chevron, the lion and the fleurs-de-lys are derived from the arms of the various families that held the manors in Great Dunmow. The two mascles or voided diamonds are from the arms of the Ferrers family. The pomegranate is the badge of the House of Aragon, and recalls the fact that Henry VIII granted the Manor of Great Dunmow to Catherine of Aragon as part of her dower in 1509. The fleurs-de-lys, the emblem of the Virgin Mary, refer to the dedication of the parish church. Fleurs-de-lys are also prominent in the heraldry of the Jenoure and Beaumont families. The silver mace denotes that Great Dunmow once enjoyed borough status.
The woolpack is a reminder that the town owed much of its early wealth to the wool trade and the boar, hops and barley refer to the modern bacon and brewing industries. The boars hooves are shown gold to indicate that it has brought prosperity to the parish. The gold crescents are from the arms of Henniker, Doreword and Bigod.

ARMS: Per chevron Vert and Azure in chief two Weaver's Shuttles erect proper and in base a Thunderbolt Or.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours in front of a Saltire Azure on a Mount Vert a Garb proper.

Motto 'CONSILIO ET PRUDENTIA' - By wisdom and foresight.
Granted 20th November 1964, to the Halstead Urban District Council.

Picture by R.Young, Halstead, August 2005.

The weaver's shuttles represent the town's long association with Courtauld's Limited, and weaving in general, an industry that has existed in the town since the arrival of Flemish weavers in the fourteenth century. The towns association with the Courtaulds began in 1782 when George Courtauld, a descendant of the Huguenot refugee families, set up in business as a silk throwster. The thunderbolt alludes to Evans Electroselenium (now Ciba Corning Diagnostics), whose managing director gave generously towards the cost of the grant.
The cross of St. Andrew refers to the dedication of the parish church, and the wheatsheaf represents agriculture.

ARMS: Vert between three Lozenges Argent a Pair of Dividers Or enfiled by a Mural Crown also Argent two Flaunches of the last each charged with a Mascle Gules.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours in front of a dexter cubit Arm vested in a White Shirtsleeve the cuff rolled back the hand grasping an Axe a demi Cogwheel all proper.

Motto 'IN COMMON ENDEAVOUR'.
Granted 27th September 1957, to the Harlow Urban District Council.

Picture used with permission, do not reproduce.

The white mural crown on a green background represents the town in its rural setting. The gold dividers indicate that this is a planned New Town. The white flaunches represent London, the origin of most of the New Town's population. The diamonds have voided centres to indicate that they have left London and the three white diamonds indicate that they have resettled in Harlow.
The cogwheel represents the town's new industries and the arm holding an axe the pioneering spirit that went into building the town.
The motto indicates that the continued prosperity of the town can only be achieved by a common effort by the residents.

ARMS: Gules a Portcullis chained Or studded and spiked Azure.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours upon waves of the Sea proper an Ancient Ship with one mast Or at the bow and stern Turrets and affixed below the top of the mast a Tower Argent the sail furled of the last and flying to the dexter a Pennon Gules.

Motto 'OMNIA BONA BONIS' - To the good all things are good.
Granted 15th December 1943, to the Harwich Borough Council, but used before this date.

Picture used with permission, do not reproduce.

The arms are based upon the seal of Harwich which was first incorporated in 1318, by Edward II and the first such use of the portcullis as arms appears to be no earlier than 1669. The portcullis was a favourite badge of the Tudors, and its adoption by the town may have been a way of honouring them, indeed the visit of Henry VIII to Harwich in 1543 is given a place of conspicuous honour on the first page of the oldest extant volume of the records of the borough. Even if this were not the case the portcullis is an appropriate emblem for a town which was once the principal gate of port of entrance into England from Europe, and even today is a thriving port.
The ship may be derived from some ancient seal and as it is not uncommon for a port-town to display some sort of ship on one side or other of its seal this is likely to be the case. The tower affixed to the mast serves to distinguish the ship from other similar crests and perhaps also symbolises the need for vigilance in a place that had an important role in the defence of the realm. It was however unusual in early times for a borough to use a crest at all, and this is further evidence that the arms of Harwich are probably not very ancient, even though derived from a seal of greater antiquity.

ARMS: Per saltire wavy Azure and Vert a Saltire wavy Argent between a Lion passant guardant in chief two Garbs in fess and a Ship's Wheel in base all Gold.
CREST: On a Wreath Or and Vert upon Water barry wavy Argent and Azure charged with a Fleur-de-Lys Or an Essex Sailing Barge proper; mantled Vert and Azure doubled Argent.
SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side an Anglo-Saxon Warrior holding in his dexter hand a Sword point downwards and the sinister side a Yachtsman habited in a Sailing Smock and wearing a Peaked Cap all proper upon a Compartment composed of a grassy Mound also proper divided by Water barry wavy Argent and Azure.

Motto 'VISION COURAGE INTEGRITY'.
Granted 28th February 1978.

The Maldon District was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Maldon, the Burnham-on-Crouch Urban District and the Maldon Rural District.

The gold lion on blue is derived from the three lions in the arms of the Borough of Maldon and the two wheatsheaves refer to the former Maldon Rural District with its farming tradition. The ship's wheel represents the Burnham-on-Crouch Urban District, an important centre for sailing.
The green and blue coloration of the mantling represents the land and the sea. The gold fleur-de-lys is from the arms of Henry II, who granted Maldon its first Royal Charter in 1171. The East Coast sailing barge recalls the former trade on the River Blackwater.
The warrior represents the area's Saxon heritage in particular Brithnoth, the alderman of Essex, who lead the Saxon forces against the Danish invaders at the Battle of Maldon, which is known in detail from a surviving poem of the period. The sailor represents our national maritime heritage and the fine sailing havens on the rivers Crouch and Blackwater.

ARMS: Party per pale Azure and Argent on the dexter side three Lions passant guardant in pale Or and on the sinister side on Waves of the Sea in base proper a Ship of one mast Sable the mast surmounted by a Fleur-de-Lys Or and from the masthead a Pennon flotant to the sinister Gules the sail furled Argent and from a Turret at the stern a Flagstaff erect surmounted by a Fleur-de-Lys Gold and therefrom a Banner to the sinister charged Azure three Lions passant guardant in pale Or.

Recorded at the College of Arms in 1614 and 1664.

Picture used with permission, do not reproduce.

The arms are derived from designs found on either side of the earliest known heraldic seal of Maldon, which date from the mid-fourteenth century. The lions, derived from the royal arms with the field changed from red to blue for difference, recall the fact that Maldon was a Royal Borough. The ship recalls the towns ancient glory as a port and its immemorial duty to provide a ship, for the service of king and country went called upon. It may be noted that the fleurs-de-lys surmounting the mast and flagstaff are also royal emblems, the English royal arms were quartered with those of France in 1340, when Edward III laid claim to the French throne. This indicates that the seal upon which the arms were based is no older than this date. Over the years the arms of Maldon have varied slightly, at the Visitation of Essex in 1569 the lions were recorded as rampant upon a red field. In other versions the lions are shown reguardant, in one they are transfixed by a lance and in another the banner on the ship shows the French royal arms.

ARMS: Chequy of twelve Or a Rose Gules barbed and seeded proper charged with a like Rose Argent barbed and seeded proper and Gules a Garb Or.
CREST: Issuant from an Ancient Crown Or a Mount Vert thereon in front of a representation of Rayleigh Windmill proper a Seax fesswise proper mantled Gules doubled Or.
SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side a Bull [guardant] Sable armed unguled and winged Or and sinister a Wyvern Vert.
BADGE: A Roundel barry dancetty of six Gules and Or a Pale wavy Argent charged with two Pallets wavy Azure.

Motto 'OUR HERITAGE OUR FUTURE'.
Granted 8th March 1975.

The Rochford District was formed by the amalgamation of the Rayleigh Urban District and the Rochford Rural District.

Picture used with permission, do not reproduce.

The twelve sections represent the original number of parishes in the District. The colours of gold and red were predominant in the arms of the Rochford RDC, which were based upon the arms of the de Rochford family. The Tudor roses, like that in the crest of Rayleigh UDC, recall the association between the town and Henry VIII. The wheatsheaves represent the agricultural importance of the area.
The ancient crown and mound are from the crest of the Rochford RDC and represent the King's Mound, the site of the Lawless or Whispering Court from the early seventeenth until the late nineteenth centuries. On the mound is a representation of Rayleigh Windmill built in about 1798 and a seax, which like that in the arms of the Rayleigh UDC is from the arms of the County Council.
The black bull, suggested by the bull's head in the arms of the Rochford RDC, is from the arms of the Bullen or Boleyn family, former residents of Rochford Hall. Its has been given gold wings in reference to the district's links to aviation via Southend Airport. The green wyvern, from the arms of Rayleigh UDC, refers to Rayleigh Mount and Castle, seat of the Hereditary King's Standard Bearer at the time leading up to the Norman Conquest. It is believed that at this time the English Standard was a wyvern.
The blue and white waves and gold and red jagged lines on the badge suggest a 'rocky ford' from which the name Rochford is said to be derived. the red lines also denote the districts royal associations and the gold agriculture.

ARMS: Vert within a representation of Town Walls having a Gateway between two Towers Argent three Saffron Flowers issuant from the battlements blown and showing stamens proper.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours upon a Chapeau Gules turned up Ermine a Lion rampant Azure grasping in the dexter paw a representation of the Ancient Mace of the Borough of Saffron Walden proper.

Granted 20th November 1961, to the Saffron Walden Borough Council.

The earliest representation of the design which eventually became the arms of Saffron Walden appears on a seal dating from 1549, which was prepared after the town was granted a charter in February of that year by Edward VI. W.G. Benham in his book Essex Borough Arms suggests that the design was chosen as a pun of the name Saffron Walden - saffron (flowers) walled-in, and this is perhaps the most probable explanation. The gateway and towers could also be seen as recalling the castle said to have been built by Geoffrey de Mandeville around 1100, however it had a short life and was abandoned around one hundred years after its building and quickly fell into ruin, long before the first seal was prepared. The seal of 1836, depicted the three saffron flowers in various stages, one in bud, another in flower and the last fully open, signifying the three stages of the town's municipal history - its incorporation as a Commonalty in 1539, its flowering as a Municipal Borough in 1685 and its restructuring under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835. Although the design has appeared on a shield in the form of arms for over three hundred, albeit with variations in colouring, it was not until 1961 that they we officially granted as such. Incidentally the 'saffron' part of the town's name refers to the cultivation of the saffron crocus at Walden from the time of Edward III until the eighteenth century. Sometimes the 'arms' were embellished with a lion for a crest, this was perhaps a perpetuation of the lion which together with a dragon supported the 'arms' on a seal which was affixed to the gilt-silver mace procured after the town became a borough with full municipal privileges in 1685, upon the granting of a charter by James II. It seems likely that the crest granted in 1961 was suggested by the earlier lion. The chapeau is probably derived from the crest of the Braybrook family of Audley End and the Ancient Mace of the Borough is also depicted.

ARMS: Azure on a Pile Argent between on the dexter an Anchor erect on the sinister a Grid-iron and in base a Trefoil slipped Or a Flower Vase issuing therefrom a spray of Lilies proper.
CREST: Issuant out of a Mural Crown Gules the Mast of a Ship proper flying therefrom a Flag Argent charged with a Cross throughout Gules.
SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side a Mediaeval Fisherman holding a Net with his exterior hand all proper and on the sinister side a Cluniac Monk proper holding in the dexter hand a Book Gules and in the exterior hand a Staff also proper.

Motto 'PER MARE PER ECCLESIAM' - Through the sea through the Church.
Arms and crest granted 1st January 1915, supporters granted 2nd January 1915 to the Southend-on-Sea County Borough Council.
Transferred by Order dated 21st May 1974, to the newly created Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

A Cluniac priory was founded at Prittlewell around 1110, dedicated to St. Mary it became the centre of religious and social life of the surrounding area. The accidental discovery of the value of the foreshore as a feeding ground for oysters around 1700, by a fisherman named Outing led to the growth of a fishing community at the south end of Prittlewell parish, the first record of the name "Southende" is found in a will dated 1481. In the late eighteenth century a syndicate established a seaside resort at New South End, the venture was not an immediate success despite royal patronage. In time however the resort flourished and borough status was granted in 1892. The mother parish of Prittlewell is represented by the lilies, emblem of St. Mary, from the thirteenth century seal of the Priory. In 1897 the borough was extended to include Southchurch, the parish church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity represented by the trefoil. The Parish of Eastwood is represented by the grid-iron, emblem of St. Lawrence, to whom the parish church is dedicated. Leigh was originally a fishing village, which grew into a flourishing port, naval base and ship building centre and many local men achieved fame as admirals and Masters of Trinity House. In time, as ships became larger and could not be accommodated at the port, Leigh declined in importance and relied more on fishing and oyster cultivation. The Parish and Urban District of Leigh was incorporated into the Borough in 1913, and is represented by the anchor, emblem of St. Clement, to whom the parish church is dedicated.
Leigh's former fame as a port as well as the Borough's other maritime associations are recalled by the ship's mast combined with a mural crown, symbol of civic government.
The monk is a further reference to the Cluniac Priory and the fisherman refers to the area's long standing industry. The figures are copied from a medieval illuminated manuscript in the British Museum.
The motto recognises the influence of the Church and the sea upon the Borough.

ARMS: Azure on a Fess between two Chevrons Argent a Mural Crown Gules all between two Flaunches Argent each charged with two Bars wavy Azure surmounted of a Seax point upwards proper hilt and pommel Or.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours an Ancient Ship Gules sail furled proper flying flags and forked pennon of St. George and charged on the hull with three Escallops Or pendent from the yardarm by chains a Portcullis Or nailed and spiked Azure.
BADGE: On a Roundel Azure fimbriated Argent and environed of a Wreath of Laurel Or a Tau Cross Argent.

Motto 'PRO BONO OMNIUM' - For the good of all.
Granted 27th November 1975.

The Tendring District was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Harwich, the Brightlingsea Urban District, the Clacton Urban District, the Frinton and Walton Urban District and the Tendring Rural District.

The white fess between two chevrons on a blue background are from the arms of the Tendring family, and were used by the Tendring RDC. The mural crown, representing civic government, is shown with five visible crenellations alluding to the union of the five former authorities into the new district, it is coloured red like the background of the arms of the Essex County Council. The two flaunches on each side of the shield with their blue and white waves represent the coastal areas, the seaxes, like those in the device used by the Frinton and Walton UDC, are from the arms of the County Council.
The ancient ship is derived from those in the crests of the Borough of Harwich and the Clacton UDC. It is red as in the crest of Clacton and has its sail furled as in the crest of Harwich. The three gold shells on its hull represent the three seaside resorts of Frinton, Walton and Brightlingsea. The portcullis hanging from the ship's mast is from the ancient seal and arms of the Borough of Harwich, it indicates together with the flags of St. George of England the importance of this area in former times, in defending the Eastern Approaches.
The motto is based on that of Harwich.

ARMS: Argent on a Fess wavy between in chief a Ship's Screw and a Wheel Azure and in base a Celtic Cross also Azure charged in the centre with a Tudor Rose proper three Lymphads Argent.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours an Albatross rising proper from a Bollard Sable roped Or.
SUPPORTERS: On the dexter a Sea-Lion guardant Or gutty Sable the tail Vert gutty Or and Argent holding in the dexter claw a Block Or tackle Sable and on the sinister a Knight in Armour tempus 1370 resting the exterior hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword a Hound at his feet all proper upon a Compartment per pale Water barry wavy Argent and Azure and a representation of a Stone Quay proper.

Motto 'SECUNDUM TAMESIM QUOVIS GENTIUM' - By the Thames to all peoples of the World.
Arms and crest granted 17th January 1957, to the Thurrock Urban District Council, supporters granted 14th May 1976.

Picture used with permission, do not reproduce.

The ship's screw represents ship repairing and the wheel industry and agriculture all of which are important to the area. The three ships on the blue wave represent the trade and commerce along the River Thames. The Celtic cross recalls the founding of a Christian church in the Thurrock area by St. Cedd in the seventh century, and the Tudor rose recalls the visit of Elizabeth I to Tilbury in August 1588, when she addressed 10,000 troops before the coming of the Spanish Armada.
The albatross signifies the long voyages beginning and ending at Thurrock.
The supporters were added to the original grant to mark the elevation to borough status. The heraldic sea-lion combines the lion of England with a fish tail for the areas maritime associations. The gouttes or teardrops refer to oil, margarine, soap and cement, all of which are produced locally. The knight and hound are derived from a military brass dedicated to Ralph (or Radulphus) de Knevynton, who died in 1370, in St. Michael's Church, Aveley. The compartment represents the Borough's docks and wharves.

ARMS: Argent on a Cross engrailed Sable a Lion's Face between four Crosses bottonnée Or.
CREST: Out of a Coronet composed of six Fleurs-de-Lys set upon a Rim Or a demi-Stag at gaze proper charged on the shoulder with a Fountain and holding in the mouth a Seaxe the blade Argent the hilt and pommel Or mantled Gules doubled Argent.

Motto 'SANCTAE NOMINE CRUCIS' - The Holy Cross by name.
Granted 9th November 1956, to the Waltham Holy Cross Urban District Council.

The town of Waltham was traditionally founded by Tovi or Tofig, when he built a wooden church to house the miracle-working crucifix (The Holy Cross) discovered on his estate in Somerset. The wooden church was later replaced by one of stone by Earl (later King) Harold, who was traditionally buried here after the Battle of Hastings. Harold's association with the town is recalled by the lion's face from the arms attributed to him. In 1184 the Priory founded in 1177 by Henry II on the site of Harold's church, as part of his penance for his role in the murder of Thomas Becket, was replaced by an Abbey. The Abbey, from whose arms the black cross on white is taken, grew to become one of the richest in Essex and held extensive lands from the 12th century until it was the last abbey to be dissolved in 1540.
The modern Epping Forest, which was formerly known as Waltham Forest and covers a large area of the parish, is represented by the stag and the crown, an indication that it was a royal hunting preserve. The River Lea, which forms the western boundary and the King George V Reservoir are represented by the fountain, an heraldic symbol for water. The seaxe and the red and white of the mantling are from the arms of the Essex County Council, these colours are also the liveries of the Corporation of London, present controllers of Epping Forest.