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.

Gregory James Burton

Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to James Ian Burton, Lyndsay Joanne Burton and Sarah Christine Kennedy
December 15, 2021
Vol. VIII, p. 44

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


Blazon

Arms

Gules a tun Or hooped Azure ensigned by a palisado crown between three hunting horns those in chief addorsed Argent;

Crest

An Arctic fox sejant proper holding a hurt edged Or;

Motto

DARE TO ADVENTURE;

Flag

A banner of the Arms;

Badge

An Arctic fox’s mask proper jessant-de-lis Or;

Differenced Arms for James Ian Burton, child of Gregory James Burton

The Arms of Gregory James Burton debruised of a three-point label Or during his father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms;

Differenced Arms for Lyndsay Joanne Burton, child of Gregory James Burton

The Arms of Gregory James Burton debruised in chief of three mullets Or in place of the two hunting horns;

Differenced Arms for Sarah Christine Kennedy, stepchild of Gregory James Burton

The Arms of Gregory James Burton debruised in chief of two Greek letters Omega each ensigning a barrulet couped Argent in place of the two hunting horns;


Symbolism

Arms

Red is the colour of the Canadian and British Armies in which Mr. Burton served. The coronet and barrel are a canting reference to his surname, burh meaning “fort” in old English (represented by the coronet shaped like a palisade) and “tun” referring to a large cask. The cask is also an important symbol for his family, because many of its members have worked in the cooper trade. Gold alludes to Mr. Burton’s love of scotch. The horns, made from an animal’s weapons, represent the three infantry regiments in which Mr. Burton served.

Crest

The fox represents the nickname “Arctic Fox” given to Mr. Burton when commanding the B Company, 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, known as the Arctic Company. The blue and gold disc alludes to the insignia on the camp flag of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, with which he served for 32 years.

Motto

This phrase symbolizes Mr. Burton’s history of travel, exploration, and hazardous and exciting activity. It provides a challenge to all others to do the same.

Flag

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

Badge

The Arctic fox represents Mr. Burton’s love of Canada and his military experience across the Arctic. The fleur-de-lis symbolizes the French heritage of his wife and stepdaughter.

Differenced Arms for James Ian Burton, child of Gregory James Burton

The label indicates that he will inherit his father’s arms.

Differenced Arms for Lyndsay Joanne Burton, child of Gregory James Burton

The three gold stars are found in the arms of Scottish Sutherlands, the surname of both her daughters and her great-great-grandmother.

Differenced Arms for Sarah Christine Kennedy, stepchild of Gregory James Burton

The Greek letters and bars symbolize Libra, her zodiac sign.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 19, 2022, in Volume 156, page 1207 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
D. Robert Tunstall

Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard


Recipient Information

Individual