May Dartford Prosper!

What does the detail in this coat of arms mean? The chevron symbolises a bridge at the river Darent. Within it, the fool's cap is the paper industry from the 16th century and the two red sacks represent the cement industry of Swanscombe. The three discs are the three former councils and their shape acknowledge the former pharmaceutical industry Inside each disc is the symbol of a millrind which were the iron supports used for mill stones grinding wheat or other grains.

The ship represents the Roman history of the area. Its seven oars are Dartford plus the six parishes of the district. The lightning across the sail is a reminder of the former power station at Littlebrook.

The lion symbolises the Monarchy. King Henry III's sister was married in the district and Edward III founded the Priory. (Dartford Priory was a significant nunnery in medieval and Tudor England.) Also of note, Queen Elizabeth often stayed in the manor at Dartford. Beneath the lion's foot is on an anvil, a symbol of the engineering industry.

The horse represents Dartford's links to Kent. It is holding a long hammer symbolising the peasants revolt of Wat Tyler. The wheat beneath its hoof is symbolic of agriculture.

Floreat Dartford or May Dartford Prosper!

Source: heraldry-wiki.com

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My Secret Dartford

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