- The Governor General of Canada
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.
Roy Herbert Thomson
Edinburgh, Scotland
Registration of Arms
January 15, 2021
Vol. VII, p. 322
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a moose’s head caboshed proper attired Gules, on a chief Azure a hunting horn Argent stringed Gules between two mullets Argent;
Crest
A beaver sejant proper playing upon a hunting horn Argent slung over its dexter shoulder by a ribbon of the Thomson tartan proper;
Motto
NEVER A BACKWARD STEP;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. A stag’s head on a white shield and a blue chief with two white stars form the coat of arms of Thomson of that Ilk. Mr. Thompson’s design uses a moose’s head as a reference to his Canadian background. The hunting horn, indicative of communications, possibly refers Mr. Thomson’s career as a newspaper magnate.
Crest
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The beaver symbolizes Mr. Thomson’s Canadian origins, while the tartan celebrates his Scottish ancestry. The horn repeats the symbolism of the Arms.
Motto
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. This sentiment possibly refers to the hard work and drive that Mr. Thomson used to build up his many businesses.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 27, 2021, in Volume 155, page 1321 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Not Available
Painter
Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh / Cour du roi d’armes Lord Lyon, Édimbourg
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Individual
View all Letters Patent for Roy Herbert Thomson
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the records of the Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh, Scotland, 17 July 1958.