ABERCONWY BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF ABERCONWY (GWYNEDD)

ARMS: Vert on a Chevron Argent between in chief two Angels kneeling in prayer respectant Or and in base a Saracen's Head erased affrontee proper wreathed about the temples Argent and Azure three Spearheads Sable embrued proper on a Chief wavy Or a Lion passant guardant Gules.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours between two Sprigs of the Genista Plant Or a Mural Crown thereon a Sea Dragon sejant Gules the tail proper resting the dexter foot on a closed Book Sable garnished clasped and charged with a Celtic Cross Or.
SUPPORTERS: On either side an Eagle wings expanded and addorsed Or gorged with a Mural Crown pendent therefrom an Annulet enclosing a Mullet of nine points Gules and holding in the beak a Leek erect proper.

Motto 'DAWN GORAU DYNGARWCH' - The greatest virtue is philanthropy.
Granted 1st March 1977.

The Borough of Aberconwy was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Conwy, the Betws-Y-Coed Urban District, the Llandudno Urban District, the Lanfairfechan Urban District, the Llanrwst Urban District, the Penmaenmawr Urban District, part of the Aled Rural District, part of the Hiraethog Rural District and the Nant Conwy Rural District.

aberconwy bc arms

The shield illustrates the topography and history of the district through the traditional heraldry of the tribal chiefs whose territories largely covered the Borough's area. The green background and wave denote the Conwy valley. The angels are for Maeloc Crwm (Llechwedd and Creuddyn), the spearheads for Nefydd Hardd (Nant Conwy), the Saracen's head for Marchudd ap Cynan (Rhos and Abergele), and the lion for the Princes of Gwynedd, Dafydd and Llywelyn the Great (Betws y Coed).
The mural crown suggests the castle of Conwy and is flanked by two sprigs of the Plantagenet broom badge of its builder, Edward I. The sea dragon is from the County Council arms and the Bible charged with a Celtic cross alludes to the emergence in this area of the first Welsh Bible.
The golden eagles are from the arms of the Kings of Gwynedd and indicate the mountain areas, they wear mural crowns symbolizing the mountain strongholds. The leeks are national emblems and the nine-pointed stars within a ring represent the nine former authorities now combined in Aberconwy.


ALYN AND DEESIDE DISTRICT COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR DOSBARTH ALUN A GLANNAU DYFRDWY (CLWYD)

ARMS: Sable fretty Argent over all Lymphad Gules in base two Barrulels wavy Argent each charged with a like Barrulet Azure.
CREST: On a Wreath Or and Sable A Garb Or bound Vert and Argent dimidiating a Tower Sable.
SUPPORTERS: To the dexter a Dragon Gules holding in the dexter fore-claws a Sickle Or and to the sinister a Griffin Sable armed Or holding in the sinister fore-claws a Miner's Lamp Or fired proper.
BADGE: Within a Mascle composed of four Batons interlaced Argent charged with a Roundel at each intersection a Lymphad Gules and in base two Barrulets wavy Argent each charged with a like Barrulet Azure.

Motto 'GWASANAETH A GWERIN' - Service and people.
Granted 29th August 1975.

The Alyn and Deeside District was formed by the amalgamation of the Buckley Urban District, the Connah's Quay Urban District and part of the Hawarden Rural District.

alyn and deeside dc arms
alyn and deeside dc badge
Badge

The pattern of interlaced white bars on a black background conveys the impression of the coal-mining interests plus the engineering activities at Shotton and Broughton. Over this pattern is a galleon, like that in the arms of the Connah's Quay UDC, on a symbolic sea. The two bars can also be seen as reprsenting the rivers Dee and Alyn.
The golden sheaf represents agriculture, it is bound with a silver and green ribbon in the national colours of Wales. The tower, like those in the crest of the Hawarden RDC, is a reminder of the three castles at Hawarden, Ewloe and Caergwrle.
The Welsh dragon on the left carries a sickle to represent farming interests. The Griffin, a mythical animal with a lion's body and an eagle's beak is shown carrying a miner's lamp to represent the tradition of coal mining in the area. This comes from the heraldry of the Gladstone family of Hawarden. In the Gladstone crest only the upper half of the beast is used, here the lower half is added. This seeks to represent all the families in the area including the Gladstones.


BRECKNOCK BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF BRYCHEINIOG (POWYS)

ARMS: Or on a Saltire Sable between four Reremice affrontée Azure four Swords points outwards Argent pommels and hilts Or.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours a representation of the Brecon Beacons proper issuant therefrom a demi Dragon Gules holding between the claws a Mantle of Estate Gules doubled Ermine.
*BADGE: Infont of a Sword erect point upward Argent pommels and hilt Or a Mantle of Estate Gules doubled Ermine.

Motto 'UNDEB HEDD LLWYDDIANT' - Unity, peace, success.
Granted ?.

The Borough of Brecknock was largely coterminious with the former County of Brecknockshire.

Picture and information courtesy of Laurence Jones.

brecknock bc arms
brecknock bc badge
Badge

The arms are based on the insignia used by the former Brecknockshire CC, which had adopted the attributed arms of the Hiberno-Welsh Chieftain Brychan. A fifth century founder of Brycheiniog, under whose leadership the Goidels reoccupied the Usk Valley on the withdrawal of the Romans. The shield was quartered. In the first and fourth quarters were the purported arms of Brychan's father Anlach and in the second and third quarters were arms representing Brychan's mother, Marchell. The swords on black are for Prince Anlach, Brychan's father and the blue reremice or bats on gold are for Marchell, his mother. From Brychan was derived the name Brycheiniog, now Brecknock. The colours of gold and black are symbolic of agriculture and industry, especially coal-mining, which are typical of the area.
At the base of the crest are two hills for the twin Brecon Beacons, seen at the base of the Borough of Brecon arms, below the shield. The red dragon is for Wales, and is one of Brecon's supporters. It holds in the fore-claws ancient device of Brecon, this is the mediaeval "mantle of estate", which was a badge of the Staffords, Earls and Dukes of Buckingham, who held the Lordship of Brecon or Brecknock.


CARMARTHEN DISTRICT COUNCIL~
CYNGOR DOSBARTH CAERFYRDDIN (DYFED)

ARMS: Barry wavy of six Argent and Azure a Fisherman affronty bearing on his back a Coracle with Oar proper on a Chief wavy Vert a Castle of three towers Argent between two Garbs Or.
CREST: On a Wreath Argent Vert and Sable upon a Mural Crown Or issuant therefrom two Roses Argent barbed seeded stalked and leaved proper a Dragon passant Gules holding aloft in the dexter forefoot a Roll of Parchment erect tied proper; Mantled parted Vert and Sable doubled Argent.
SUPPORTERS: On either side a Lion reguardant celestially crowned Or and charged on the mane with a Cinquefoil Sable.
BADGE: On the Head of a Celtic Cross Or a Fountain charged with a Fisherman as in the Arms.

Motto 'ONI HEUIR NI FEDIR' - One must reap before one sows.
Granted 26th May 1977.

The Carmarthen District was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Carmarthen, the Newcastle Emlyn Urban District, the Carmarthen Rural District and the Newcastle Emlyn Rural District.

Picture and information courtesy of Laurence Jones.

carmarthen dc arms
carmarthen dc bc badge
Badge

The field consisting of six waves suggests the rivers and coastline of the District. The coracle fisherman was the crest of the former Borough of Carmarthen (now used by Carmarthen Town Council). A similar figure appeared on the medallion of Newcastle Emlyn RDC and on the front of the official guide to Carmarthen RDC, so it was an obvious choice as an emblem for the area. The chief bears a castle from the former Borough's arms, flanked by two garbs from the arms of Carmarthen RDC. The castle also represents other fortresses in the District such as Newcastle Emlyn, Laugharne and Llanstephan. The castle also represents the Borough and Urban District, and the garbs the two Rural Districts which were combined to form the new council's area. The chief is coloured green for agriculture and dairy farming.
The wreath and mantling are in three colours to suggest the limestone quarrying (white), agriculture (green) and coalmining (black). The gold mural crown was found in Carmarthen RDC's crest, and again suggests the many castles in the District. The red dragon of Wales is shown passant, like that in the crest of the Carmarthenshire County Council. The dragon upon the walled crown also recalls a legend that a dragon perched on the walls of Carmarthen Castle during its siege by Owain Glyndwr. The parchment recalls that Hywel Dda codified the laws of Wales at Whitland in the tenth century. The white roses are from the arms attributed to Dafydd ap Gwilym.
The supporters are gold lions reguardant from the arms ascribed to St. David. As difference they are charged with black cinquefoils from the arms of the See of St David's, and wear celestial crowns.
The motto was formerly used by Carmarthen RDC, and is appropriate for an agricultural community.


CLWYD COUNTY COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR SIR CLWYD

ARMS: Argent on a Bar wavy Vert between in chief a Cross fleuretty engrailed Sable between two Choughs proper and in base a Lion rampant Sable a Barrulet wavy Argent.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours upon a Mount Vert a Port between two Towers proper issuant therefrom a demi Dragon Gules murally gorged Or and holding in the fore-claws an Ostrich Feather Argent.

Motto 'TARIAN CYFIAWNDER DUW'-
The shield of justice is God.
Granted 3rd December 1974.

The County of Clwyd was formed in 1974 from Denbighshire and Flintshire.

clwyd cc arms

The green and white wave represents the Vale of Clwyd and the Clwydian hills lying between the two counties former constituent counties of Flintshire and Denbighshire. The cross and choughs from the Flintshire shield come from the traditional arms of Edwin of Tegeingl, founder of the twelfth Noble Tribe of North Wales. The black lion of the Princes of Powys Fadog comes from the Denbighshire shield.
The Welsh dragon holds an ostrich feather, the 'Peace Badge' of Edward the Black Prince, and the castle recalls the many historic strongholds of Clwyd.


COLWYN BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF COLWYN (CLWYD)

ARMS: Barry wavy of eight Or and Azure on a Mount in base issuant an Oak Tree proper fructed Or on a Chief Gules between two Garbs Or a Saracen's Head afrontee erased proper wreathed about the temples Argent and Azure.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours in front of a demi Dragon Gules holding a Grey Stone Castle of three towers four Leeks erect proper.

Motto 'IECHYD HARDDWCH HEDDWCH' - Health, beauty, tranquillity.
Granted 2nd January 1976.

colwyn bc arms

The background of gold and blue waves represents the coastal areas, overlying these is the oak tree with gold acorns from the arms and former seal of the Borough of Colwyn Bay. The Saracen's head is from the heraldry of Marchudd ap Cynan, Founder of the VIII Noble Tribe of North Wales and Lord of Abergele and Rhos. It was the device of Abergele UDC and is here shown on its correct field of red, flanked by two gold wheatsheaves for the Rural Districts of Aled and Hiraethog.
The Red Dragon of Wales is common to the Colwyn Bay UDC and County of Clwyd crests and the three-towered castle is for the ancient castles and strongholds of the District. The four leeks, suggested by the seal of Hiraethog RDC, represents the four former Welsh authorities united in Colwyn.


CYNON VALLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF CWM CYNON (MID GLAMORGAN)

*ARMS: Vert between in base three Fronds of Mountain Ash conjoined and in the flanks two Cressets Or fired proper a Pascal Lamb also Or on a Chief wavy barry wavy of four Azure and Argent a Mural Crown Gold.
*CREST: On a Wreath Argent and Vert out of two Coils of Cable proper a demi Dragon Gules holding between the fore-claws a Bolt or Lightning Azure enfiled by a Cogwheel proper.
*BADGE: ?

Motto 'LLWYDDIANT TRWY UNDEB' - Success through union.
Granted ?.

The Borough of Cynon Valley was formed by the amalgamation of the Aberdare Urban District, the Mountain Ash Urban District, part of the Neath Rural District and part of the Vaynor and Penderyn Rural District.

cynon valley bc arms

The green background represents the hills and valleys. The Pascal Lamb is an emblem of St. John the Baptist, to whom the ancient church at Aberdare is dedicated. Mountain Ash is denoted by three fronds of the tree of that name. The two 'cressets' or fire baskets filled with blazing coal, recall the former coal and iron industries of the valley in which the parishes of Rhigos and Penderyn were also involved. Such a cresset appeared in the former Vaynor and Penderyn RDC arms in reference to these industries and to the Brecon Beacons and is the emblem of the Brecon Beacons National Park, part of which is in the Borough area. All the emblems are in gold, denoting prosperity and mineral wealth, and are placed in topographical order. The upper part of the shield symbolises the overall authority of Cynon Valley. The four blue and white waves for the four former areas and the four rivers - Cynon, Taff, Dâr and Hepste, overlaid by a gold mural crown, ancient emblem of local government, showing four battlements, again for the four former authorities.
The wreath in green and white shows the national colours, and this pastoral limestone area's natural colours. The Red Dragon, is shown as in the Mid Glamorgan County Council crest. It rises from a double coil of cable and holds a blue lightning flash struck through a cogwheel to suggest the area's newer industries - cable manufacture, electronics and engineering.


DELYN BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF DELYN (CLWYD)

ARMS: Per saltire Azure and Argent in chief a Lion rampant Argent in each flank three Bars wavy Azure surmounted by a Celestial Crown Or and in base in front of an Ostrich Feather erect Argent a Castle of two Towers Or.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours within a Circlet of four Fleurs-de-Lys and as many Mullets alternately Or a demi Dragon Gules supporting a representation of the Caerwys Eisteddfod Harp Argent.
SUPPORTERS: On either side a Dragon Gules gorged with a Garland of Roses Or barbed and seeded proper and holding aloft with the interior forefoot an Ostrich Feather that on the dexter in bend that on the sinister in bend sinister Argent.
BADGE: Issuant from two Waves conjoined the upper Argent the lower Azure a demi Dragon Gules supporting a representation of the Caerwys Eisteddfod Harp Argent.

Motto 'YMLAEN Â DELYN' - Forward with Delyn.
Granted ?.

The Borough of Delyn was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Flint, the Holywell Urban District, the Mold Urban District and the Holywell Rural District.

delyn bc arms
delyn bc badge
Badge

The white and blue waves, like those the arms of the Flint County Council, represent the rivers Dee and Alyn from which the Borough is named. The waves, with the golden celestial or saintly crowns, also refer to the Holy Well of St. Winefride and thus to the two Holywell Councils. The golden castle and white ostrich feather are taken from the civic badge of the Borough of Flint. The castle is derived from the old Borough Seal and the feather is that of Edward the Black Prince, who held Flint Castle and granted the town one of its Charters. It is shown on a blue background as in the Flint shield. The white lion on blue is that of the de Montalt family, long used with the ostrich feathers in the device of Mold UDC. Roger de Montalt was Seneschal to the Earls of Chester in the late 13th century and took his name from the 'high hill' or 'Mont hault' on which stood his castle, a name which became 'Mold'.
The circlet of fleurs-de-lys and five pointed stars, is similar to those on the crown in the crest of Flint. They are in gold and are related to those in the arms of the Courtauld family, while the stars also occur in the arms of Basingwerk Abbey. The Red Dragon is that of Wales, as in the arms of the Clwyd County Council, holding the ancient Eisteddfod harp from the arms of Caerwys. In addition to signifying the ancient associations of the area, the harp or 'Y Delyn' is a felicitous reference to the Borough's name.
The supporters are a variation of those of the Borough of Flint, which combine the Red Dragon of Wales, the golden rose badge of Edward I, who built Flint Castle and whose Charter of 1277 made Flint the oldest municipality in Wales, and the ostrich feather of Edward III and the Black Prince. The feathers also appear in the Mold device and that of Holywell.


DINEFWR BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF DINEFWR (DYFED)

ARMS: Sable a Castle of five Towers in perspective in pentagon two two and one Or on a Chief dancetty of three points downward Argent as many Ravens close Sable.
CREST: On a Wreath Argent and Sable in front of a Crosier erect Or a Dragon passant Gules resting the dexter forefoot on a Garb or.
SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side a Boar Gules armed Or langued Azure charged on the shoulder with a Cross Sable fimbriated Or and on the sinister side a Welsh Mountain Ram proper charged on the shoulder with a Fountain.
BADGE: A Pentagon reversed Sable charged with a Castle as in the Arms and ensigned with a Dragon statant Gules gorged with a Wreath Argent and Sable.

Motto 'DIOGEL DAN DDINEFWR' - Safe under Dinefwr.
Granted 1st October 1976.

The Borough of Dynefwr was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Llandovery, the Ammanford Urban District, the Cwmamman Urban District, the Llandeilo Urban District and the Llandeilo Rural District.

dinefwr bc arms
dinefwr bc badge
Badge

The pattern of the shield was suggested by the arms of the Ammanford UDC, with a black background and a zig-zag line of 'peaks' indicating the Black Mountains. On the black is a stylized gold castle of five towers, shown in perspective. This represents Dinefwr through its castle, and the five towers symbolize the union of five former authorities in the Borough. The three ravens on white are from from the legendary arms of Urien Rheged, reportedly one of King Arthur's Knights, whose castle is at Carregcennen and whose descendants include the famous Sir Rhys ap Thomas, the Lords Rhys and the present Lords Dynevor.
The black and white of the wreath is in the heraldic colours of Urien Rheged and the Dynevors. The colours are also symbolic of the district's mineral wealth in anthracite mining and limestone quarrying. The Red Dragon, as seen on the national flag and the devices of some of the constituent councils, rests a foot on a wheatsheaf denoting the agricultural areas. The gold crosier refers to the historic ecclesiastical associations of the area, including all its patron saints such as St. Teilo, Bishop of Llandaff in the 5th century, and foundations such as Talley Abbey.
The wild boar is derived from that in the Ammanford crest and alludes to the legend that King Arthur and his Knights hunted 'Y Twrch Trwyth' in the Amman Valley around Ammanford and Cwmamman. The black cross edged with gold is from the Ammanford shield, in which it represents the town's former name of Cross Inn. The Welsh Mountain Ram indicates the importance of Llandovery as a market for the 'defaid arosfa', reared on the Black Mountains common land in this part of the district. The heraldic fountain symbolises the lakes and rivers, and here is a reference to Llandovery's name 'Llan-ym-ddyfri' (the settlement among the waters).
The motto recalls the historic role of Dinefwr Castle as the guardian of the area, and suggests the corresponding function of the modern Borough Council.


DYFED COUNTY COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR SIR DYFED

ARMS: Per pall reversed Sable Gules and Azure in the first a Lion rampant regardant in the second a Lion rampant within a Bordure engrailed and in the third a Lion rampant between four Roses all Or.
CREST: Issuant from a Mural Crown Or charged with a Rose Gules charged with another Argent both barbed and seeded proper a Rock proper thereon an Eagle wings elevated and addorsed Gold resting the dexter talon on an open Book proper, Mantled Sable doubled Or
SUPPORTERS: On the dexter a Dragon Gules charged on the shoulder with a Bezant thereon a Miner's Lamp and holding a Bough of Oak proper and on the sinister a Sea-Horse also proper charged on the shoulder with a Roundel Vert thereon a Garb Or and holding a Trident proper.

Motto 'RHYDDID GWERIN FFYNIANT GWLAD'-
A free people a prosperous country.
Granted ?

The County of Dyfed was formed in 1974 from the counties of Cardiganshire, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

dyfed cc arms

The golden lion rampant regardant on a black ground is for Gwaethfoed, Prince of Ceredigion, and is from the arms of the former Cardiganshire County Council. The golden lion rampant on a red ground within a golden border is for Rhys ap Tewdwr, Prince of Deheubarth, and is from the arms of the former Carmarthenshire County Council. The a golden lion rampant between golden roses on a blue ground, represents Gwynfardd, Prince of Dyfed, whose seat was in Pembrokeshire. The whole signifies the earliest form of local government in the area, represented today by Dyfed County Council, a tradition of over a thousand years.
The Crest is based on that of the former Pembrokeshire County Council. The golden eagle commemorates a form of wild life characteristic of Dyfed in the middle ages whilst the open book held in the eagle's talons denotes the laws of Hywel Dda, which were codified at Whitland, and learning generally. The eagle is perched on a castle rampart which reminds us that Dyfed is a "land of castles". The rampart is charged with a Tudor rose commemorating the birth of King Henry VII at Pembroke Castle in 1457.
The red dragon signifies nationality and is charged with a miner's lamp to mark the area's coal industry. It holds an oak branch which represents the bardic tradition of West Wales. The sea-horse and trident signify the maritime associations of the County and the wheatsheaf represents the main industry — agriculture.
The motto is that of the former Carmarthenshire County Council.


GLYNDWR DISTRICT COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR DOSBARTH GLYNDWR (CLWYD)

ARMS: Quarterly Or and Argent a Cross wavy Vert surmounted of a Daffodil Flower Or between in the first quarter a Lion Gules in the second and third a Lion Sable and in the fourth a Lion Purpure all rampant.
CREST: On a Wreath Or and Gules on a Mount a Castle of two degrees and four Towers proper issuant therefrom a demi Dragon Gules supporting a Staff proper flying therefrom a forked Pennon per fess Argent and Vert..
SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side a Wyvern Gules gorged with a Collar paly of eight Argent and Gules resting the exterior foot on a Sword point downwards in bend sinister proper hilt and pommel Or and on the sinister side a Wyvern Or gorged with a Collar paly of eight Argent and Azure and resting the exterior foot on a like Sword in bend.
BADGE: Within and perched upon a Garland of Oak fructed of six Acorns proper a Wyvern Gules.

Motto 'GWERTH CYNGOR GWASANAETH' - The virtue of a Council is its service.
Granted 10th October 1975.

The Gyndwr District was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Denbigh, the Borough of Llangollen, the Borough of Ruthin, the Ceiriog Rural District, the Edeyrnion Rural District, the Llangollen Rural District and part of the Wrexham Rural District.

glyndwr dc arms
glyndwr dc badge
Badge

The shield is based on the arms adopted by Owain Glyndwr for his Great Seal - a quartered shield with four lions rampant. It in generally considered that the colours were probably the same as those of the shield of Llywelyn the Great - gold and red quarters with the lions in opposite colours. This would be consistent with the descent of Owain from Bleddyn ap Cynfyn, King of Powys, to whom were attributed a red lion on gold. As a scion of the House of Powys Fadof Owain previously bore the Black Lion of Powys as seen in the former Denbighshire shield and the new Clwyd shield. In the shield, the first and fourth quarters are gold and the second and third are white. In the first quarter is Owain's red lion, and in the second his black lion. The latter is seen again in the third quarter for Owain's kinsman Owain Brogyntyn, Lord of Edeyrnion, whose area has come into the District from Meirionnydd. In the fourth quarter is the purple lion of the de Lacys, who built Denbigh Castle and were Marcher Lords of Rhyfoniog and Lords of Denbigh. A shield with a lion in the seal of the Borough of Denbigh is probably that of Henry de Lacy. Thus, the lions represent virtually all the districts of Glyndwr as well as the name. The wavy cross represents the four main rivers which flow across Glyndwr - Clwyd, Clywedog, Dee and Ceiriog. The cross is green to suggest the vales through which the rivers flow. At the centre of the cross is a gold Welsh daffodil flower, its six petals symbolizing the six complete districts comprised in Glyndwr.
The crest-wreath is red and gold, the colours of the shield of Glyndwr and his ancestor Bleddyn. On the grassy mound is a castle of four towers, representing the four principal strongholds in Glyndwr, the castles of Denbigh, Ruthin, Dinas Bran and Chirk. From it rises the Red Dragon of Wales holding a long streamer divided into white and green, the Welsh national colours seen on the Dragon Flag. This is a reminder that it was in this part of Wales that Glyndwr strove to create a united Welsh nation.
The supporters are two wyverns, Glyndwr is said to have borne one on his banner, and is shown wearing one as a crest on his helm in his Great Seal. The wyvern on the left is red, the supposed colour of his wyvern crest, and wears a collar of white and red stripes taken from the shield of Owain's ancestor Gruffydd Maelor, Lord of Bromfield, which Owain is said to have borne before adopting the four lions. On the other side is the gold wyvern of the Greys, who held the Lordship of Ruthin, with a collar of the white and blue stripes from their shield. The feud between Glyndwr and Grey was a tragic feature of the district's history, and the Wyverns rest their claws on downward-pointing swords to indicate that this strife is a thing of the past.
The badge is Owain's red wyvern standing on and within a "civic crown", here seen with six acorns for the six complete districts.
The motto, suggested by Councillor the Reverend I. Bryn Williams.


GWENT COUNTY COUNCIL
See
Monmouthshire County Council.

GWYNEDD COUNTY COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR SIR GWYNEDD

ARMS: Azure a Goat salient Argent on a Chief Or on a Pale between two Lions passant guardant Gules a Lion rampant Or.
CREST: On a Wreath Argent and Vert an Eagle displayed Or on the breast an Inescutcheon Vert charged with a representation of the Eagle Tower, Caernarfon Castle proper.
SUPPORTERS: On the dexter a Dragon Gules supporting with the dexter claw a Plough Share proper and on the sinister a Sea Dragon per fess Gules and Vert supporting with the sinister claw a Piece of Slate proper all on a Compartment of Rock proper.

Motto 'CADERNID GWYNEDD' - The strength of Gwynedd.
Granted ?.

The County of Gwynedd was formed by the amalgamation of the County of Anglesey, the County of Caernarfonshire, part of the County of Merionethshire and part of the County of Denbighshire.

gwynedd cc arms

The two red lions passant on a gold background come from the arms of Caernarfonshire CC, the single golden lion rampant on a red background in the centre from the arms of Anglesey CC, with the goat on the blue background underneath coming from the Merioneth CC arms.
The Eagle is from the arms of Owain Gwynedd and on its breast there is a green shield with a representation of the Eagle Tower of Caernarfon Castle.
The Red Dragon ia a symbol of Welsh nationality and holds a ploughshare representing agriculture. The Sea Dragon, reflects the seafaring nature of Gwynedd, and it holds in its paw a slate slab representing the slate industry. The whole stands on a rocky foundation.
The motto is a phrase from the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi which is at least as early as the twelfth century.


ISLWYN BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF ISLWYN (GWENT)

ARMS: Per chevron Or and Sable in chief four Oak Trees issuant fructed proper and in base the Head of a Celtic Wheelcross.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours in front of a demi Dragon Gules holding a Beehive Or four Fleur-de-Lys (Azure?).
SUPPORTERS: On either side a Griffin holding aloft in the interior forefoot a Cresset Sable enflamed proper.
BADGE: On a Roundel Sable environed of a Garland of Oak fructed proper the Head of a Celtic Wheelcross Or.

Motto 'GORAU TARIAN CYFIAWNDER' - The best shield is justice.
Granted ?.

The Borough of Islwyn was formed by the amalgamation of the Abercarn Urban District, part of the Bedwellty Urban District, the Mynyddislwyn Urban District and the Risca Urban District.

islwyn bc arms
islwyn badge
Badge

The shield refers to the name 'Islwyn' taken from Mynyddislwyn mountain, from which the poet, Aneurin Fardd's pupil took his pseudonym. The division 'per chevron' suggests a mountain with gold for agriculture, and black for coal. The well wooded slopes of the local hills are suggested by the four stylised oak trees growing out of the mountain, one for each of the four constituent areas. The oaks also recall several local names - Oakdale, Welsh Oak, and refer to the grove contained in the name Islwyn (below the grove or bush). The legend of the siting of Mynyddislwyn Church 'below the grove' is symbolised by a plain Celtic wheelcross head in gold, below the trees. Its four arms joined by a ring also suggest the four former authorities joined in a single community.
The four gold fleur-de-lys, are taken from the arms of the former Monmouthshire County Council, in turn derived from the three fleur-de-lys of the traditional arms of the Kingdom of Gwent. Their number here indicates the four areas of Gwent combined in Islwyn. The Red Dragon is that of Wales. The gold beehive was the device of the Bedwellty UDC, and is an excellent emblem for a busy and industrious community, engaged in various activities.
The black griffins are derived from the supporters of the family of Morgan of Penllwyn, one of the most influential in the history and public life of the County. They were closely connected with the affairs of this district, their former Manor House being in the Mynyddislwyn District, and both Risca and Bedwellty having received benefactions for the community from Lord Tredegar. The black cressets or medieval fire baskets, are an heraldic symbol for blast furnaces, foundries, iron smelling and other metallurgical industries.


LLANELLI BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF LLANELLI (DYFED)

ARMS: Per chevron Argent and Gules in chief two Lymphads Sable and in base a figure representing St. Elli of the first.
CREST: Issuant from a Mural Crown proper two Dragons' Wings Gules each charged with a Fess chequy Or and Azure.
BADGE: In front of two Miners' Pick-Axes in saltire and within a Stepney Motor Wheel a Wooden Box containing a Sheet of Tin Plate all proper.

Motto 'YMLAEN LLANELLI' - Forward Llanelli.
Arms and crest granted 21st October 1913. Badge granted 22nd October 1913. Transferred by Order in Council in 1975.

The Borough of Llanelli was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Kidwelly, the former Borough of Llanelli, the Burry Port Urban District and the Llanelli Rural District.

llanelli bc arms
llanelli badge
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The town derives its name from the Church of St Elli, a grand-daughter of Brychan (see Brecknockshire). She is reputed to have been martyred by the heathen Saxons. The ships stand for the port.
The wings are those of the Welsh dragon, and the chequers on them are from the arms of the Stepney family, Lady Stafford Howard, heiress of the late Sir Arthur Stepney and first Mayoress of the Borough, having presented the arms and badge to the Corporation, with other gifts.
The components of the badge refer to the industries on which Llanelli's prosperity is based. To alleviate the previously time-consuming process, of dealing with a flat tyre, Walter and Tom Davies of Llanelli, invented the spare tyre in 1904. At the time, motor cars were made without spare wheels. The wheel was so successful that the brothers started their own company, Stepney Spare Motor Wheel Limited, (named after the location of their workshop on Stepney Street in Llanelli) and started marketing the wheel in Britain and abroad.


LLIW VALLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF DYFFRYN LLIW (WEST GLAMORGAN)

ARMS: Paly wavy of eight Argent and Vert in fess a representation of the bridge at Pontardawe throughout proper between in chief a Portcullis chained Or nailed Sable pointed Gules and in base three ravens close proper.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours out of a Mural Crown Sable charged with five [three visible]Ears of Wheat Or a demi Dragon Gules charged on the sholuder with a Cogwheel and holding in the foreclaws a Pair of Millrolls erect proper.
SUPPORTERS On either side a Dragon Gules charged on the shoulder with a Daffodil Flower Or and standing on a Leek the leaves inward proper.
BADGE: On a Roundel Argent over two Bars wavy in base Vert a representation of the bridge at Pontardawe as in the Arms perched thereon a Raven close proper.

Motto 'NID DA LLE GELLIR GWELL' - Though good is good, better is better (There is always room for improvement).
Granted 10th February 1976.

The Borough of Lliw Valley was formed by the amalgamation of the Llwchwr Urban District and the Pontardawe Rural District.

lliw valley bc arms
lliw valley badge
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The background of eight alternate white and green waves running vertically, suggests the topographical area with its green valleys and four principal rivers - Lliw, Loughor, Clydach and Tawe. The portcullis is from the crest of the Dukes of Beaufort, former lords of the Borough of Loughor, while the three ravens are considered to be derived from the arms attributed by the mediaeval heralds to Urien Rheged, a 6th century prince or local chieftain who built his residence at Loughor, and whose descendants, the Rhys family of Dynever, still bear the ravens in their arms. The portcullis and ravens both appeared the old seal of the Borough. The bridge is that of Pontardawe, which is part of the insignia of Pontardawe RDC.
The mural crown is a frequent emblem of local government, and a reminder of the ancient castle of Llwchwr. It is here coloured black, to suggest the coal-mining areas and is charged with three ears of wheat for the agriculture of the rural district. The Welsh dragon is charged on the shoulder with a cogwheel for engineering, and holding a pair of mill rolls for the steel and tinplate industries.
The red dragons were suggested by those of the Llwchwr UDC device, in the latter, leeks are placed between the dragons and the shield. This is untenable in correct heraldic practice, so the leeks have been placed as a support for the dragons to stand on. For further distinction they are each charged on the shoulder with a gold daffodil flower taken from the centre of the Pontardawe RDC insignia.


MEIRIONNYDD DISTRICT COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR DOSBARTH MEIRIONNYDD (GWYNEDD)

ARMS: Azure three Goats salient Argent armed crined and unguled Or on a Chief of the last issuant from barry wavy of four of the first and second a Sun rising Gules.
CREST: Issuant from a Coronet of six Roses set upon a Rim Or a representation of Harlech Castle on a Rock proper; Mantled Azure doubled Argent.
SUPPORTERS: Upon a Compartment of Rock proper on either side a Dragon Gules supporting an Abbot's Crosier and charged on the wing with five Mullets Or.

Motto 'TRA MÔR TRA MEIRION' - Meirion will last so long as there is a sea.
Granted 7th March 1952, to the Merioneth County Council. Transferred 21st May 1974 by Order in Council to Meirionnydd District Council. Exemplified in the College of Arms 16th June 1982.

The Meirionnydd District was formed in 1974 from the County of Merioneth.

meirionnydd dc arms

The shield is based on the arms that have been associated with Meirionnydd for many years. According to a manuscript formerly at Dolforgan a coat of arms was given for Merioneth, consisting of three white goats, salient (that is rearing on the hind-legs), with a gold sun in the base of a blue shield. This would appear to have a connexion with the fanciful arms given for Merioneth in Drayton's "Battle of Agincourt", where the men of the county bore a banner with "three goats dancing 'gainst a rising sun". It is difficult to say what this device was intended to signify, unless it was connected with the dominance of Cader Idris, upon which goats certainly lived and behind which the rising sun might be seen from certain viewpoints. The current arms preserve the original goats on their blue ground, but the sun has been moved to the top of the shield, shown setting red in a golden sky over blue and white waves. This stylised sunset is more in keeping with Meirionnydd's geographical situation than a rising sun would be; moreover, it was felt that the sea ought to be represented in the most important part of the arms, in regard to the traditional motto.
The blue and white of the wreath are the heraldic colours of the sea, which are also the liveries of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, Earl Merioneth. The golden rose was one of the personal badges of King Edward I, from the crown of Edwardian roses issues a conventionalised representation of Edward's Castle of Harlech upon its rock.
The Welsh Dragons stand upon a rocky base in allusion to the mountains and coastline of Meirionnydd. They support abbot's crosiers in allusion to the early importance of Cymmer Abbey in the religious and cultural life of Meirionnydd. As a general emblem of religious activity, they also refer to other and more recently founded establishments within Meirionnydd. The golden stars refer to the Saint Elltyd, an astronomer, in whose parish, Llanelltyd, Cymmer Abbey lies. They also refer to the legend that light was born on the summit of Cader Idris, though the rising sun in the old device is perhaps more likely to fit this story. The traditional motto is retained.


MID GLAMORGAN COUNTY COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR SIR MORGANNWG GANOL

ARMS: Or three Chevronels between in chief two Clarions and in base a Rose Gules charged with a like Rose Argent both barbed and seeded proper.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours issuant from Flames proper a demi Dragon Gules supporting a Staff Argent from which flies a Banner Gules three Chevronels Argent.
SUPPORTERS: Dexter a Factory Worker habited and holding in the exterior hand a Spanner all proper sinister a Coal Miner habited and supporting in the exterior hand a Mandrel all proper.
BADGE: Environed by a Clarion Or a Rose Gules barbed and seeded proper charged with a like Rose Argent also barbed and seeded proper.

Motto 'A DDIODDEFWS A ORFU' - He who suffers, conquers.
Granted ?.

mid glamorgan cc arms
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The three red chevronels on a gold ground are the arms of the de Clare family, Norman lords of the medieval marcher lordship of Glamorgan. This shield formed the basis of the arms of the former Glamorgan County Council, to which were added three Tudor roses, symbolic of the creation of the shire by Henry VIII in 1536. Mid Glamorgan retains one of these roses, to symbolise its emergence from the old county. The two clarions perpetuate the de Clare's badge, a playful pun upon their name.
The red dragon is of course symbolic of the land of Wales. The banner, which it holds triumphantly, carries the arms attributed to Jestyn ap Gwrgant, the last Welsh ruler of Morgannwg. Issuing from flames, the demi dragon also symbolises the revival of the area after a long period of depression, which suggestion is borne out in the motto.
The miner represents the traditional industry of the area, upon which its prosperity was founded and the factory worker represents the varied manufacturing industries which now occupy a significant role in the region's economy.
The motto of the lineage of Jestyn ap Gwrgant, is appropriate to a region which has known the hardships of livelihood wrested from the rock, and from iron, and whose roots lie deep in religious experience.


MONMOUTH BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF MYNWY (GWENT)

ARMS: Or two Piles reversed Gules five Garbs all counterchanged.
CREST: Issuing from an Ancient Crown Or a Castle triple-towered proper; Mantled Gules doubled Or.
SUPPORTERS: On the dexter a Ram proper supporting with its forelegs a Prior's Bourdon Argent and on the sinister a Welsh Pony proper supporting with its forelegs an Abbot's Crozier Or crook inwards with Veil proper.
BADGE: A Roundel Or two Piles reversed Gules overall a Garb counterchanged.

Motto 'PROGRESS IN UNITY'.
Granted 25th September 1974.

The Borough of Monmouth was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Abergavenny, the former Borough of Monmouth, the Chepstow Urban District, the Usk Urban District, the Abergavenny Rural District, the Chepstow Rural District, the Monmouth Rural District and most of the Pontypool Rural District.

monmouth bc arms
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The two reversed piles suggest the initial letter "M" for Monmouth, the sheaves refer to agriculture. The castle refers to the area's many historic castles - Chepstow, Raglan, Abergavenny and Caldicot. The supporters again refer to farming and the bourdon and crozier to the area's religious foundations - Tintern Abbey and Llanthony Priory.


MONTGOMERYSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR DOSBARTH SIR DREFALDWYN (POWYS)

ARMS: Tierced in pairle reversed Or Argent and Azure three Lions rampant Gules Sable and Gold all within a Bordure gobony Sable and Argent.
CREST: Issuant from a Mural Crown Gules a Swan rising in the beak a Sprig of Oak slipped leaved and fructed proper; Mantled Azure doubled Or.
SUPPORTERS: On either side a Wyvern Vert gorged with a Riband pendent therefrom by a Ring a Fleece Or.

Motto 'POWYS PARADWYS CYMRU' - Powys paradise of Wales.
Granted 23rd January 1951, to the Montgomeryshire County Council.

The Montgomeryshire District was coterminious with the former Montgomeryshire County.

montgomeryshire dc arms

The two upper divisions represent the principalities of Powys Wenwynwyn and Powys Fadog, which in the Middle Ages covered largely what is now Montgomeryshire. The red lion on gold was the traditional arms of Gwenwynwyn and the black lion on white those of Madog, the two respective Princes descended from Bleddyn ap Cynfyn, last Prince of Powys. The gold lion on blue is from the arms of Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, a leader of the Norman invasion of Wales, from whom the town and county take their name. The black and white border is derived from the colours of Brochwel Ysgithrog, a 7th century Prince of Powys famous for his resistance to the Saxons.
The red mural crown represents Powys Castle (Castell Coch - Red Castle) and the swan is for the beautiful waterways of the county, particularly the rivers Severn and Wye. The branch of oak recalls the former importance of Montgomeryshire oak to the Royal Navy.
The green wyverns derive from the crest of the Herberts, Earls of Powis and Montgomery. The golden fleeces hanging from their necks refer to the former woollen industry.
The motto is that long used in the county before the arms were granted.


NEATH BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF CASTELLNEDD (WEST GLAMORGAN)

ARMS: Per chevron embattled and per pale Argent and Sable three Towers twin-turreted all counterchanged.
CREST: On a Wreath Argent and Sable a demi Cistercian Monk affronty habited proper resting the dexter hand on a Harp Or; Mantled Sable doubled Argent.
SUPPORTERS: On either side a Dragon Argent murally crowned and charged with seven Gouttes Sable breathing flames proper and langued Gules.

Motto 'ONI HEUIR NI FEDIR' - He who does not sow does not reap.
Granted 11th February 1983.

The Borough of Neath was formed by the amalgamation of the former Borough of Neath and the Neath Rural District.

neath bc arms

The design of the Shield is based on the old Seal and arms of the former Borough of Neath which had a distinctive double-turreted tower. The basic colours of the Shield are black and white or silver. The black refers to the coalmining and oil industries whilst the white or silver refers to the metal industries once so prevalent in the Borough.
The wreath and mantling are in the basic colours of the Shield. The monk is a reference to the pre-Reformation Cistercian Abbey at Neath Abbey, whilst the harp refers to the strong musical tradition in the area.
The dragons are a reference to Wales and the flames refer to the old smelting industries of the Borough. The seven drops of oil on each dragon represent, as in the arms of the Neath RDC, the oil industry once more and also the fourteen Communities which constitute the Borough. The mural crowns are representative of municipal government. The dragons are in the basic colours of the Shield, black and white or silver.
The Welsh motto is that of the former Neath RDC.


PORT TALBOT BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF PORT TALBOT (WEST GLAMORGAN)

ARMS: Gules three Chevronels Argent between as many Clarions Or.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours issuant from a Clarion Or a Plume of Ostrich Feathers Gules Gold and Vert.

Motto 'DUWIOLLDEB DIWYRDWYDD' - Godliness and industry.
Granted 11th June 1953, to the former Borough of Port Talbot.

The Borough of Port Talbot was formed (originally as the Borough of Afan) by the amalgamation of the former Borough of Port Talbot and the Glyncorrwg Urban District.

port talbot bc arms

The three silver chevronels are from the arms ascribed to the Iestyn family, and refer to the conferring of the original franchise by Caradoc ap Iestyn (1079-1148). This family were the Lords of Avan at the time of the Norman Conquest of Wales, following which the only Welsh Lordship having access to the sea was that of Avan. This Lordship, with its hinterland, was held by the senior descendant of Iestyn. The three gold clarions are the arms generally attributed to Robert Consul and William Earl of Gloucester (his son). Robert (the natural son of Henry I, who died in 1147), in granting the foundation Charter of Margam Abbey, gave all the lands between the Kenfig and Avan rivers to the Monks of Clairvaux, which Charter was confirmed by his son, William, who was a benefactor of Margam Abbey.


PRESELI PEMBROKESHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR DOSBARTH PRESELI SIR BENFRO (DYFED)

ARMS: Per pale Or and Gules three Garbs counter-changed a Chief indented Azure.
CREST: On a Wreath Argent and Vert upon Waves barry wavy Argent and Azure between two Celtic Crosses Or a Yacht in full sail proper.
SUPPORTERS: On either side a Sea Dragon Gules tails Vert gorged with a Collar indented pendant therefrom a Celtic Cross Or.
BADGE: A Sea Dragon Gules tail Vert gorged with a Collar indented pendant therefrom Celtic Cross Or.

Motto 'EX UNITATE VIRES' - Out of unity strength.
Granted ?.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire District was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Haverfordwest, the Fishguard and Goodwick Urban District, the Milford Haven Urban District, the Neyland Urban District, the Cemaes Rural District and the Haverfordwest Rural District.

preseli pembrokeshire dc arms
preseli pembrokeshire badge
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The indented blue chief refers symbolically to the Preseli Hills as seen against a blue sky. The sheaves of corn are partly coloured gold and red against a counter-changed background in order to symbolise the wealth which comes from agriculture and also the sweat and work which must go into it before it gives its returns.
The crest wreath of twisted silk is in the Welsh national colours, white and green. The yacht in full sail upon the sea refers not only to yachting but also to shipping, fishing, and marine activity in general. At either side are placed two Celtic crosses in allusion to the many historical features of the District, including Saint David's Cathedral.
The supporters are mythical beasts in which the upper part consists of the Welsh dragon, while the lower part is a fish's tail. This, once again, identifies the district as a Welsh district of marine and river importance. Each has about its neck a gold collar in dancetty from an allusion to the Preseli Hills and from this collar depends a Celtic cross.


RADNORSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR DOSBARTH SIR FAESYFED (POWYS)

ARMS: Quarterly first and fourth Gules a Lion rampant reguardant Or second and third Argent three Boars' Heads couped Sable all within a Bordure compony of the second and Azure; the Shield ensigned with a Mural Crown Or.

Motto 'EWCH YN UWCH' - Higher and higher.
Granted 21st November 1950, to the Radnorshire County Council. Transferred 21st May 1974 by Order in Council, to the Radnor District Council (later Radnorshire).

The Radnorshire District was coterminious with the former Radnorshire County.

radnorshire dc arms

The lion is attributed to Elystan Glodrhydd, a Prince of Wales about 1000, and the boars' heads are associated with his son Cadwgan. The border is from the arms of the Mortimer family, Earls of March.


RHONDDA BOROUGH COUNCIL (MID GLAMORGAN)

ARMS: Vert a Pall wavy Argent on a Chief indented Sable a Balance between two Acorns leaved and slipped Or.
CREST: Out of a Mural Crown Sable a demi-Dragon Gules gorged with a Riband pendant therefrom an Escutcheon Or charged with three Chevrons of the second and supporting a Torch erect of the first enflamed proper.
SUPPORTERS On either side a Sea-Dragon Sable the tail proper gorged with a Collar checky Argent and Azure.

Motto 'HWY CLOD NA GOLUD' - Fame outlasts wealth.
Granted 20th May 1955.

rhondda bc arms

The green field, white wavy Y-shaped pall and the indented line suggest the Rhondda Valley, rivers and mountains. The black portion is for coal mining against which is a gold balance, for the more balanced industry of recent years. The gold acorns refer to the ancient forest and the growing new industries.
The mural crown is a symbol of local government and its colour is for coal and allied industries. The Red Dragon of Wales is like that in the crest of the Glamorgan County Council, the sheild about his neck shows the famous arms of the de Clare family, Lords of Glamorgan, whose red chevrons also appear in the arms of the Thomas family, Barons and Viscounts Rhondda.
The black-sea dragons represent the Welsh sea-coal and their blue and white collars are from the arms of the Marquess of Bute whose discovery of coal in the upper valley laid the real foundations of the industry a century ago.


RHUDDLAN BOROUGH COUNCIL (CLWYD)

ARMS: Or issuant from a Base barry wavy of four Argent and Azure a Mount Vert thereon an Edwardian Castle of two Towers Gules on a Chief barry wavy of four Or and Azure a Pale Sable thereon two Keys in saltire wards upward and outward Argent.
CREST: On a Wreath Or and Gules in front of a demi Dragon Gules holding aloft in the dexter forefoot a Roll of Parchment proper pendant therefrom a Wax Seal Gules a Fish-Weir Sable staked Gules.
BADGE: On a Roundel barry wavy of six Or and Azure in front of two Keys in saltire an Edwardian Castle all as in the Arms.

Motto 'RHUDDLAN CRUD CYMRU' - Rhuddlan cradle of Wales.
Granted 24th May 1977.

rhuddlan bc arms
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The Borough's name is denoted by the stylized castle and waves representing Rhuddlan Castle on the banks of the River Clwyd. The waves are from the arms of the Rhyl UDC and the Prestatyn UDC and the keys refer to St. Asaph.
The Welsh dragon, is common to the crests of Rhyl and Prestatyn and Clwyd County Council. The unique fish-weir is from Rhyl's shield and the sealed parchment recalls the Statute of Rhuddlan issued by Edward I in 1284, which gave Wales a constitution, an historic fact recalled in the motto.


SOUTH GLAMORGAN COUNTY COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR SIR DE MORGANNWG

*ARMS: Vert on a Pile reversed throughout Ermine between two Towers Or a Roundel per pale of the last and Gules charged with three Chevronels also per pale Gules and Argent ensigned with an ancient Crown Gold.
*CREST: Within a Mural Crown Gules a Mitre affrontée Or; Mantled Vert doubled Argent.
*SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side a Dragon and on the sinister side a winged Lion both Gules and each supporting a Trident Or.
*BADGE Within an Annulet ensigned by a Mural Crown three Chevronels all Or.

Motto 'Y DDINAS A'R FRO' - The City and the Vale.
Granted ?.

south glamorgan cc arms
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The red chevrons on gold are those of the de Clare family, Norman lords of Glamorgan (who made Cardiff the centre of their Lordship), and in the other half the three silver chevrons on red are those attributed to Iestyn ap Gwrgant, the last Welsh ruler of Morgannwg. The roundel is crowned, as a symbol that it represents the capital city which is contained within the new county. On the ground of the shield the ermine section of the shield refers to the rich valley guarded by castles, which are shown above on either side.
The mural crown is appropriate to county councils and the mitre, the chief symbol in the arms of the See of Llandaff, is an allusion to the cathedral church of Llandaff.
The supporters are the red dragon of Wales and the red lion of the Princes of South Wales. Their wings symbolise the county's links with the air at Rhoose and St. Athan and they hold tridents to show the county's strong connection with the sea.


SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR DOSBARTH DE SIR BENFRO (DYFED)

ARMS: Per chevron wavy Azure and Vert a Chevronnel wavy between in chief two Dolphins haurient that to the sinister contournee Or and in base a Castle of three degrees and five towers proper.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours in front of a Lymphad sail furled and flying Pennons Sable a Torch Or charged with three Gouttes d'Huile in pale and enflamed proper.
SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side a Lion Gules gorged with a Collar Or charged with six Chevronels fesswise to the sinister three being manifest Gules and charged on the shoulder with a Portcullis chained Or supporting a Staff proper flying therefrom a forked Pennon per fess Argent and Azure and on the sinister side a Lion Argent gorged with a like Collar the Chevronels to the dexter and charged on the shoulder with a closed Book Gules garnished Or and supporting a Staff proper flying therefrom a forked Pennon per fess Argent and Vert.
BADGE: On an Oval Or a Castle as in the Arms issuant from the central towers two Staves addorsed proper flying from that to the dexter a forked Pennon per fess Argent and Azure and from that to the sinister a like Pennon per fess Argent and Vert.

Motto 'WE SERVE AS ONE'.
Granted 25th August 1976.

The South Pembrokeshire District was formed by the amalgamation of the Borough of Pembroke, the Borough of Tenby, the Narberth Urban District, the Narberth Rural District and the Pembroke Rural District.

south pembrokeshire dc arms
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The shield represents heraldically the ancient division of Penfro ("the headland") and its joint character as a seaside holiday area and an historic rural area. The blue top half of the shield with two gold dolphins, like the supporters of the Borough of Tenby, represents fishing and coastal resorts. The lower half, suggests the promontory, is green with a gold wavy edge denoting the sandy beaches. The district was governed in medieval times from the historic castles which dominated the promontory; the link between ancient and modern government is suggested by a single castle of five towers symbolizing the union of the five Penfro councils in one authority.
The ancient galley similar to that in Tenby's crest represents the traditional maritime interests of the fishing ports and the Naval dockyard. In front of it stands a golden flaming torch, symbol of natural energy as produced by power station and oil refineries. The drops of oil, a very old symbol in heraldry, indicate the potential importance of the oil industry to the district.
The supporters represent associations with the Earldom of Pembroke, whose various holders held palatine status in Penfro, and other historical allusions. The red lion and the white lion are those of the Marshal Earls and the Herberts respectively, and they wear collars bearing the red chevrons on gold of the de Clares, Gilbert and Richard ("Strongbow") the first Norman Earls. These lions also support the arms of the Borough of Pembroke. Here they hold the forked pennons from the Tenby arms, that on the left white and blue, and denoting the de Valence Earls, that on the right bearing the Tudor colours of white and green. The red lion is charged on the shoulder with the gold portcullis badge of Henry VII, who was born in Pembroke Castle, and the white lion with a red book embellished with gold alludes to the famous chronicler Giraldus Cambrensis, rector of Tenby, born at Manorbier, and to the great Welsh legendary Tales of the Mabinogion, one of whose heroes, Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed, lived at Narberth Castle. The colour of the book recalls that the Mabinogion proper were contained in the Red Book of Hergest.
The motto is the English translation of Pembroke's 'Ung nous servons' which was derived from the Herbert's 'Ung je serviray' and is particularly appropriate for an amalgamated authority.


TAFF-ELY BOROUGH COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF TAF-ELAI (MID GLAMORGAN)

ARMS: Azure between two Barrulets wavy Argent three Celestial Crowns Or in chieT a representation of the Old Bridge at Pontypridd issuant proper and in base three Mullets of seven points two and one Or.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours a demi Dragon Gules gorged with a Chain Or pendant therefrom a Bezant thereon a Rose Gules charged with another Argent both barbed and seeded and supporting a Staff proper flying therefrom a three-tongued Pennon tierced in fess Sable Argent and Vert and charged in the hoist with a Cogwheel Or.
BADGE: A Cogwheel Or surmounted of a Roundel per pale Vert and Sable charged with two Bars wavy Argent.

Motto 'LLAFUR ORFU BOBPETH' - Hard work conquers everything.
Granted 10th February 1976.

The Borough of Taff-Ely was formed by the amalgamation of part the Caerphilly Urban District, the Pontypridd Urban District, part of the Cardiff Rural District, part of the Cowbridge Rural District and the Llantrisant & Llantwit Fardre Rural District.

taff-ely bc arms
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Thee shield is a combination of emblems from the arms of the Llantrisant and Llantwit Fardre RDC and the seal of the Pontypridd UDC. The two white waves represent the rivers Taff and Ely which give the Borough its name. Over the top wave stands the Old Bridge of Pontypridd spanning the Taff; the otner wave, running parallel, is the Ely, flowing through the Llantrisant and Llantwit Fardre area. The three golden celestial crowns symbolize Llantrisant, the three Saints, Illtyd, Gwynno and Dyfodwg. The three golden stars denote St. Illtyd, the famous astronomer from whom Llantwit (Llanilltyd) is named. Previously borne with six points, the stars are here given seven to represent the seven additional parts of Caerphilly and Cowbridge RDC which complete the Borough area. The whole is set on a background of blue, appropriate to the symbolism of the crowns and stars. The shield is, in fact, an heraldic map of the area.
The crest is based on that of the Llantrisant and Llantwit Fardre RDC, in which the red dragon holds a banner of black, white and green denoting coalmining, limestone quarrying and agriculture. The dragon supports a triple-forked pennon in the same colours, charged with a gold cogwheel representing the industries of the Treforest Estate and the Maritime Estate. Aound his neck is a gold chain, a reminder of a former major industry in Pontypridd. The gold roundel is a 'bezant' (a gold coin from Byzantium, originally), and refers to the location of the Royal Mint in the area. The Tudor Rose from the arms of Glamorgan, which is also an emblem in the device of the Mint.
The motto, that of Llantrisant and Llantwit Fardre, is derived from a quotation from Virgil and in its Welsh form is the motto of the Rhys-Williams family of Miskin.


WEST GLAMORGAN COUNTY COUNCIL ~
CYNGOR SIR GORLLEWIN MORGANNWG

ARMS: Argent three Chevronels Gules between in chief two Pine Cones Vert dimidiating as many Gouttes Sable and in base a Lozenge also Sable.
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours in front of a demi Dragon Gules holding between the fore paws of a Rose Gules barbed and seeded proper thereon a Rose Argent likewise barbed and seeded proper four Annulets embattled on the outer edge Or.
SUPPORTERS: Dexter an Osprey wings elevated gorged with a Steel Chain of square links and holding in the beak a Fish all proper sinister a Heron wings elevated gorged with an Aluminium Chain of square links and holding in the beak a Fish proper; upon a Compartment per pale Water barry wavy proper and a Ploughed Field also proper.
*BADGE: A Roundle Argent charged fourteen Lozenges Sable placed seven and seven between three Chevronels Gules.

Motto 'CARDARN POB CYFIAWN' - The just are strong.
Granted ?.

west glamorgan cc arms
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The white shield with three red chevronels is based on the traditional arms of the old Princes of Gwyr. The green pine cones refer specifically to the reafforestation projects of the County. The goutte is a liquid drop and is coloured black to symbolise oil with reference to the oil refining and attendant industries. By the combination of these two particular and most convenient allusions and shapes we have a third allusion by way of the union of countryside with urban areas. The third device, a black diamond, represents the coal industry.
The wreath and mantling comprises the national colours of Wales — green and white. The crest itself consists of a demi-Welsh dragon holding between its fore paws a Tudor rose. The four gold annulets embattled on the outer edge refer to the four Districts which make up the County and the annulets refer to the industries of each.
The osprey with a fish in its beak, features in the crest of Swansea, together with the heron, they represent the fauna of the area. Around their necks is a chain of steel links in reference to the importance of the steel industry to the area and the aluminium chain represents the aluminium industry. The fish of the two supporters refer to the maritime interests of the area. The compartment consists of water to the dexter being a further reference to the maritime interests and the water harbour for which the area is famous; the other part of the compartment consists of a ploughed field and is a reference to the importance of agriculture in the area.
The badge consists of an echo of the shield and crest.


WREXHAM MEALOR BOROUGH COUNCIL (CLWYD)
See
Wrexham County Borough Council.

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