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.

Robert Gordon Richardson

Kingston, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms
September 11, 1991
Vol. II, p. 114

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


Blazon

Arms

Bleu Céleste a snowflake Argent on a chief arched also Argent three lions' heads erased Bleu Céleste langued Or;

Crest

Rising from within a circlet composed of maple leaves and trefoil Or a demi lion Bleu Céleste armed and langued Or holding in the dexter paw a sword Argent hilt and pommel Or and gorged with a collar pendant therefrom an escutcheon Or;

Motto

MODERATION;


Symbolism

Arms

The sky blue colour alludes to Mr. Richardson’s career with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Air Reserve of the Canadian Armed Forces. The snowflake represents Canada. The three lion heads on a chief are a feature of many other arms used by people named Richardson. They also allude to Mr. Richardson’s astrological sign, Leo.

Crest

The lion repeats the symbolism of the arms. The sword alludes to Mr. Richardson’s military career and the shield to his love of heraldry. The maple leaves and trefoils refer to his Canadian and Irish heritage.

Motto

Not applicable.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 23, 1991, in Volume 125, page 3770 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
Debra Parker

Calligrapher
John Whitehead


Recipient Information

Individual