The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.

Eric Lawrence Barry

Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters
January 12, 2000
Vol. IV, p. 4

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Ermine three bars gemmel Gules a canton Sable charged with a Maltese cross Argent;

Crest

A dexter gauntlet grasping a dagger Argent hilt and pommel Or set within a circlet composed alternately of maple leaves Gules and fleurs-de-lis Argent;

Supporters

On either side a griffin Gules armed and beaked Or charged on the breast with a Maltese cross Argent and standing upon a grassy mound growing thereon strawberry plants flowered and fructed proper;

Motto

VOLENS DUCIT;


Symbolism

Arms

The parallel bars are a pun on the Barry name. The ermine is used in the arms for Lawrence and thus honours Mr. Barry’s mother, née Lawrence. The Maltese cross denotes Mr. Barry’s involvement in the Order of St. John.

Crest

The maple leaf and fleur-de-lis coronet refers to Mr. Barry’s Canadian and Quebec heritage. The mailed fist is taken from the badge of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps Association, of which Mr. Barry is a life member. The dagger it holds is from a former badge of the Royal Canadian Hussars.

Supporters

The griffin joins the majesty of the lion, king of beasts, and the eagle, king of the air, underlining the strength and vigilance of both. The strawberries are another canting reference to the name Barry, and the Maltese crosses refer to the Order of St. John.

Motto

This Latin phrase means "He leads willingly".


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on July 22, 2000, in Volume 134, page 2265 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Charles Maier, Athabaska Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Gordon Macpherson

Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge


Recipient Information

Individual