Have you ever wondered why Manchester’s coat of arms looks the way it does? What do the elements that make it up mean? And how did these come to be incorporated into it?
Well wonder no more as we take you on a brief history of Manchester’s coat of arms and decode its meaning for you.
Any city’s coat of arms is more than just a fancy design gracing the Town Hall and other civic venues. It's a real work of art that has come together over time to express the history, industry and civic pride of a city and its people. And this is the case nowhere more so than Manchester.
Each element, from the shield to the motto, tells a story about the Manchester’s journey to the present day and the values of its people.
Let's embark on a heraldic adventure to decipher the hidden meanings within this well-known emblem.
A Foundation Steeped in History: The Shield and its Legacy
The central shield forms the foundation of the coat of arms. A red background adorned with three golden bands immediately draws the eye. These bands are a legacy inherited from the de Gresle family, the medieval lords of the manor of Manchester.
While the original meaning behind these bands might be lost in the mists of time, there is no shortage of explanations for what they stand for.
One popular belief suggests they represent the city's lifeblood - the three rivers, the Irwell, Irk and Medlock.
These waterways have never just been mere geographical features: they were the vital transportation routes that fueled Manchester's early growth and development.
Over time, the rivers have come to stand for the city's very essence, its energy and its interconnectedness.
A Ship Sets Sail: A Beacon of Global Ambition
Perhaps the most striking feature of Manchester’s coat of arms is the ship in full sail that sits above these bands. Although known for its industrial waterways, this symbol predates the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal by over half a century.
It proudly displays the international ambition that Manchester has always been known for. The ship, with its billowing sails, embodies the city's spirit of enterprise, its willingness to venture out and forge trade links across the vast oceans.
This is the ambition that propelled Manchester to become a leading industrial powerhouse, a city with its sights set firmly on being a major player on the global stage. After all, we Mancunians have never been known for being the shy, retiring type…
Strength, Harmony and a Royal Connection
On either side of the shield are two rather majestic figures who don’t look exactly shy and retiring either - a powerful lion on the right and a graceful antelope on the left.
These aren't mere decorative elements, but heraldic supporters rich with historical significance. They are derived from the coat of arms of King Henry IV, Duke of Lancaster.
Manchester of course falls within the historic county of Lancashire, and this connection to royalty is proudly displayed through these figures.
The lion, a classic symbol of strength, courage, and kingliness, is said to reflect the city's unwavering spirit and determination. The antelope is often seen as an emblem of peace and harmony - qualities we all recognise in Manchester on a Saturday night.
Interestingly, the antelope also carries a chain, which some interpret as a subtle reference to Manchester's burgeoning industrial power and the city's ability to harness this for progress and development.
A Crown of Busy Bees: Industry Takes Flight
Perhaps the quirkiest element of Manchester’s coat of arms is a truly unique feature crowning the entire composition - a globe encircled by seven busy bees. The globe itself speaks volumes about Manchester's global reach and its ambition to be a player on the world stage (do you see a theme emerging here?)
But the true stars of this show are of course the bees. These industrious creatures have become synonymous with Manchester (and its buses): a powerful symbol embodying a gritty northern work ethic and just getting stuff done.
But why are there seven of them? The number seven is believed to symbolise the seven seas, highlighting Manchester's extensive trade routes that spanned the globe – in case the ship and the globe had been too subtle for you.
But we can all agree it's a fitting tribute to the countless workers, the hive mind of Manchester's industry, that have made this city a force to be reckoned with.
The bee has become such a powerful symbol that it's now a ubiquitous presence throughout Manchester, adorning buildings, merchandise, and even street art.
It's a constant reminder of the city's industrial heritage and the rich history of its people.
Concilio et Labore: A Motto for Progress
Of course no coat of arms is complete without a motto in a language no one speaks any more.
The educated amongst us will see that Manchester's is a powerful one: "Concilio et Labore". This Latin phrase translates roughly to "By wisdom and effort". "Through council and labour" is another possible translation, but we’ll avoid that though that as ‘Council’ and ‘Labour’ might sound a bit too political.
Either way this motto encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and hard work that has been central to Manchester's success.
The motto emphasises the importance of thoughtful planning and the tireless dedication required to achieve great things.
It's a call to action, a reminder that Manchester's achievements are the result of collective wisdom, collaboration and effort.
A Symbol Woven into the City's Fabric
So we hope we’ve shown you that Manchester's coat of arms isn't just a historical relic: it's a vibrant symbol woven into the very fabric of the city.
You'll find it displayed prominently on buildings like the grand Manchester Town Hall, a monument to civic pride, and the historic Corn Exchange, a reminder of the city's bustling commercial past.
Venture beyond these iconic landmarks, and you'll find the coat of arms adorning bridges, parks, and even public transport.
But perhaps more than anything it’s the ultimate sign of Manchester, the one which belongs to all its people.