Devonshire

County

The arms were officially granted on October 11, 1926. Crest and supporters granted 6th March 1962.

The red lion is that of Richard, Earl of Cornwall and King of the Romans. The crown denotes royal descent. The chief illustrates the maritime heritage of the County, in particular Sir Francis Drake’s ship, The Golden Hind.In 1962 a crest and supporters were added. The crest has a Naval crown for the long association of the Royal Navy with Devon. From this rises a pony’s head. This represents Dartmoor, where wild ponies still roam.

The dexter supporter is a bull for agriculture and the sinister a sealion for the sea. Thus both the inland and coastal communities of Devon are shown.

The motto was that used by Sir Francis Drake and means By Divine Aid.

Exeter

The arms were confirmed and the crest and supporters granted on August 6, 1564.

Exeter’s arms are very ancient, and simply depict the long vanished Rougemont Castle. The distinctive form of the castle is described in the blazon as “triangular and triple towered”. The red and black colouring of the field seems to have no significance. The shield was confirmed in 1564, and the crest and supporters were granted. The crest wreath is black and gold – the colours of the Duchy of Cornwall. The crest itself is a red crowned lion holding a golden orb. This is for Richard Earl of Cornwall, Holy roman Emporer. The same lion appears in the arms of Devon County Council and some of the towns and districts of Devon.

The supporters are winged horses or pegases. The wings are charged with blue waves and thus is represented the river Exe which once made the city a major port.

The motto is Semper Fidelis (always faithful) – the same as Queen Elizabeth I. It is said that the queen granted the motto to the city in 1588, as thanks for giving money to help build the fleet that defeated the Spanish Armada.

The arms on collector’s items.

1792 Devonshire Exeter Conder Halfpenny Token

Obverse: A three-quarter figure of Bishop Blaize

Reverse: Shield of Arms

Edge: PAYABLE AT THE WAREHOUSE OF SAMUEL KINGDON . X .

D&H Devonshire 2 A. 2

Engraver and Manufacturer: Hancock                Proprietor: S. Kingdon

Plymouth

1789 Devonshire Plymouth Conder Halfpenny Medalet

Obverse: Laureate bust, GEORGIVS III REX

Reverse: Oval shield of arms, VISITED PLYMOUTH. Ex: AUGUST 1789

Edge: Plain

D&H Devonshire 8 A. 8