- 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.
The Town of Amherst
Amherst, Nova Scotia
Registration of Arms
November 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 134
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a saltire Azure surmounted by three tilting lances in asterisk Or interlaced by a laurel wreath proper, on a chief barry wavy Argent and Azure, between a rose and a fleur-de-lis Or a pale Vert charged with a tower Or;
Crest
Two hands clasped couped holding a sprig of mayflower proper and a maple leaf Vert;
Symbolism
Arms
The white background with a blue saltire cross alludes to the arms of Nova Scotia. The tilting lances and the laurel wreath are taken from the crest of Lord Amherst, the military commander and Governor of the Province of Quebec after whom the town was named. The green square refers to the town’s position on the isthmus between the Cumberland Basin and the Northumberland Strait, which are represented by the stylized waves. The tower alludes to the fortifications that once existed in the area, and the rose and fleur-de-lis to the English and French troops that once fought over it.
Crest
The crest of clasped hands and floral sprigs is based on that of Nova Scotia. The mayflower is the provincial flower, while the maple leaf alludes to the town’s Canadian identity.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original Concept of the College of Arms, London.
Painter
Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Government
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 20 June 1962.