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.

Howard Carew Wallace

Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Marita Wallace, Duncan Wallace, Stephen Wallace, Christopher Wallace, Catherine Wallace, Caroline Wallace, Barnaby Wallace, Matthew Wallace and Cecily Wallace
December 20, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 200

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


Blazon

Arms

Vert two claymores in saltire Argent surmounted by a bezant all between two quills Argent;

Crest

A demi-lion affronty Argent vested of a leather breastplate and of Wallace tartan proper, its sinister forearm charged with a maple leaf Gules bearing a fleur-de-lis Vert, holding in the dexter paw and resting on its shoulder a claymore Argent hilt and pommel Or and holding in the sinister paw a scroll Or;

Motto

TRUE AND FREE;

Flag

Vert the Badge, adextré Or;

Badge

A pellet charged with the Crest, all within a belt Argent fimbriated, embellished and buckled Or, and inscribed with the Motto in letters Sable;

Differenced Arms for Marita Wallace, daughter of Howard Carew Wallace

The Arms of Howard Carew Wallace with a phoenix displayed Vert;

Differenced Arms for Duncan Wallace, son of Howard Carew Wallace

The Arms of Howard Carew Wallace with a dove displayed, its wings environing a fist affronty Vert;

Differenced Arms for Stephen Wallace, son of Howard Carew Wallace

The Arms of Howard Carew Wallace with a pomme;

Differenced Arms for Christopher Wallace, son of Howard Carew Wallace

The Arms of Howard Carew Wallace with a rooster Vert;

Differenced Arms for Catherine Wallace, daughter of Howard Carew Wallace

The Arms of Howard Carew Wallace with a hummingbird volant Vert;

Differenced Arms for Caroline Wallace, daughter of Howard Carew Wallace

The Arms of Howard Carew Wallace with a heart in a Celtic style Vert;

Differenced Arms for Barnaby Wallace, son of Howard Carew Wallace

The Arms of Howard Carew Wallace with a falcon stooping Vert;

Differenced Arms for Matthew Wallace, son of Howard Carew Wallace

The Arms of Howard Carew Wallace with a bull passant reguardant Vert;

Differenced Arms for Cecily Wallace, daughter of Howard Carew Wallace

The Arms of Howard Carew Wallace with an owl Vert;


Symbolism

Arms

The crossed claymores refer to the family’s readiness to fight for the values of truth and freedom. The feathers, symbolic of travel over great distances, evoke the frequent travels of Mr. Wallace as a naval officer and peacekeeper, as well as the worldwide travels of many of his children. As quill pens, the feathers also refer to the power of the written word and the search for knowledge. The green colour is inspired by the Irish heritage of Mr. Wallace’s spouse, Caroline French, and of his ancestor Thomas Wallace, who set sail from Ireland to fight for the Crown in the War of 1812.

Crest

The lion and great sword are found in traditional Wallace armorial bearings from Scotland. The lion in armour faces forward to represent the idea of confronting challenges directly, and the Wallace tartan it wears serves as a reminder of the family’s identification with the history and legends of the Clan Wallace. Inspired by Mr. Wallace’s tattoo, the fleur-de-lis superimposed on a maple leaf is emblematic of a love of country and of Canada’s dual national heritage. The scroll of parchment symbolizes the importance of the rule of law, including individual rights, and of the written word.

Motto

Not applicable.

Flag

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Differenced Arms for Marita Wallace, daughter of Howard Carew Wallace

The phoenix represents life and renewal even in the face of great trials, ideas of particular importance to Marita.

Differenced Arms for Duncan Wallace, son of Howard Carew Wallace

The dove and fist evoke Duncan’s lifelong dedication to martial arts and to the idea of peace through strength.

Differenced Arms for Stephen Wallace, son of Howard Carew Wallace

The green disc is a temporary mark for Stephen as heir to the arms.

Differenced Arms for Christopher Wallace, son of Howard Carew Wallace

The rooster is, for Christopher, a symbol of resilience, moral force, loyalty and pride.

Differenced Arms for Catherine Wallace, daughter of Howard Carew Wallace

A symbol shared with her daughter Natalie, this represents Catherine’s nickname, “Little Hummingbird”, and reflects her energy.

Differenced Arms for Caroline Wallace, daughter of Howard Carew Wallace

The Celtic heart symbolizes the values of caring, generosity and love cherished by Caroline.

Differenced Arms for Barnaby Wallace, son of Howard Carew Wallace

Far-sighted and bold, the falcon epitomizes Barnaby’s spirit and quest for the highest reaches.

Differenced Arms for Matthew Wallace, son of Howard Carew Wallace

The bull represents Matthew’s constancy, strength, endurance and generosity.

Differenced Arms for Cecily Wallace, daughter of Howard Carew Wallace

As a symbol of wisdom and insight, the owl embodies attributes that Cecily holds dear.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 30, 2013, in Volume 147, page 2706 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Claire Boudreau, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted with the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Cathy Bursey-Sabourin / Debra MacGarvie

Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione


Recipient Information

Individual