- 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.
Rory Henry Grattan Fisher
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Gavin Peter Grattan Fisher and Clare Frances Fisher
January 15, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 344
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a dolphin naiant between in chief two harps and in base a cross ancré Or;
Crest
A demi greyhound Argent holding a cross fretty Azure;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A cross fretty Azure;
Differenced Arms for Gavin Peter Grattan Fisher, son of Rory Henry Grattan Fisher
The Arms of Rory Henry Grattan Fisher with a saltire couped Or in place of the cross ancré;
Differenced Arms for Clare Frances Fisher, daughter of Rory Henry Grattan Fisher
The Arms of Rory Henry Grattan Fisher with a heart Or in place of the cross ancré;
Symbolism
Arms
The dolphin represents the municipality of Brighton in England where Dr. Fisher grew up. Coincidentally, a heraldic dolphin appears somewhat similar to a large fish, thereby creating a heraldic pun on his name. The cross “anchory” is chosen to represent his school, Downside School, and the harps allude to the Irish heritage of both Dr. Fisher and his wife.
Crest
Dr. Fisher is a doctor working for the care of the aged. The greyhound represents “Care Personified”. This is the abstract idea given a corporeal form. The cross fretty is his badge.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The fretty pattern appears as a section of a fisherman’s net, alluding to Dr. Fisher’s name again. Its design also allows a possible religious interpretation, the overlapping edges having neither beginning nor ending.
Differenced Arms for Gavin Peter Grattan Fisher, son of Rory Henry Grattan Fisher
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Clare Frances Fisher, daughter of Rory Henry Grattan Fisher
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2005, in Volume 139, page 687 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Rory Fisher, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Ilona Jurkiewicz
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual