- The Governor General of Canada
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Peter Douglas Murphy
Kings County, New Brunswick
Grant of Arms and Badge, with differences to Agnès Mary Frances Murphy, Léo Kenneth Douglas Murphy and Gregory Edmund Charles Murphy
November 20, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 445
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale Vert and Azure, a Latin cross its lower limb terminating in roots Argent, all enfiling a coronet treflé Or;
Crest
A sea-moose Or queued Azure gorged of a coronet treflé Vert and holding between its hooves a Latin cross its lower limb terminating in roots Argent;
Motto
NI CROIX NI COURONNE;
Badge
A Latin cross Azure its lower limb terminating in roots Vert, enfiling a coronet treflé Or;
Differenced Arms for Agnès Mary Frances Murphy, child of Peter Douglas Murphy
The Arms of Peter Douglas Murphy debruised in dexter chief of a lamb’s head Argent during her father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms;
Differenced Arms for Léo Kenneth Douglas Murphy, child of Peter Douglas Murphy
The Arms of Peter Douglas Murphy debruised in dexter chief of a lion’s head Or;
Differenced Arms for Gregory Edmund Charles Murphy, child of Peter Douglas Murphy
The Arms of Peter Douglas Murphy debruised in dexter chief of a dove volant Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
The roots refer to a family tree and thus to Mr. Murphy’s work as a genealogist. The cross and crown connect to the Motto and to his Christian faith. The points of the crown shaped like shamrocks refer to Ireland, Mr. Murphy’s ancestral country, as does the green colour. Blue, a colour associated with the Virgin Mary, alludes to Mr. Murphy’s devotion to her.
Crest
The moose alludes to the supporters of the arms of Saint John, New Brunswick, Mr. Murphy’s hometown. The fish tail refers to the maritime careers of many of his ancestors, such as his great-grandfather, George Murphy, a sea captain. The cross and crown repeat the symbolism of the Arms.
Motto
This French phrase, meaning “No cross, no crown”, alludes to Mr. Murphy’s Christian faith. It also conveys the idea that success, represented by the crown, cannot be achieved without sacrifice, represented by the cross. The use of French pays tribute to his Francophone ancestry through his maternal grandfather.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Agnès Mary Frances Murphy, child of Peter Douglas Murphy
The lamb is an attribute of St. Agnes, serving as a pun on her name, agnus being “lamb” in Latin.
Differenced Arms for Léo Kenneth Douglas Murphy, child of Peter Douglas Murphy
The lion is a punning reference to his name, leo meaning “lion” in Latin.
Differenced Arms for Gregory Edmund Charles Murphy, child of Peter Douglas Murphy
The dove is an attribute of his namesake, St. Gregory the Great, often depicted in the act of writing with a dove at his ear.
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 Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Melissa Aberin
Calligrapher
Sachas Bénard
Recipient Information
Individual