- 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.
Alaric John Martin Woodrow
Hamilton, Ontario
Registration of Arms and Badge
November 8, 1995
Vol. III, p. 66
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per bend Azure semy of cross-crosslets fitchy Or and an estoile Or and Argent barry dancetty each point double barbed Azure overall a bend Gules charged with a sword blade proper enflamed also proper hilt, quillions and pommel also Or;
Crest
A lion sejeant erect Azure crowned with a naval crown Or holding in the dexter foreclaws a mace Argent;
Motto
AUT VIAM INVENIAM AUT FACIAM;
Badge
Within a triquetra of rope Azure three anchors flukes inward Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The estoile or star evokes the HMCS Star, at Hamilton, Ontario, where both Alaric and his son Michael served, where both of his sons, Andrew and Michael, were christened and where Mr. Woodrow wed his wife, Beverly Woodrow née Walker. The cross crosslets honour other ancient Woodrow arms. The fir tree-like markings create a play on the family name Wood-row. Fire, an ancient symbol of knowledge, here co-joined with a sword, itself a symbol of armed service, supplies two symbolic expressions for Mr. Woodrow. First, it evokes the flaming sword mentioned in Genesis 3:24 suggesting the responsibility that comes with knowledge and secondly, it evokes Mr. Woodrow’s twin careers of teacher and naval officer.
Crest
The lion, naval crown and mace are all symbols of service and evoke Mr. Woodrow’s educational and naval public service. The red and white of the wreath and mantling are the colours of Mr. Woodrow’s two homes, England and Canada.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “I’ll either find a way or make one.”
Badge
This unending knot also known as a triquetra is a symbol of both infinity and the Trinity. Anchors are a longstanding symbol of hope. Together the knot and anchors form a badge that recalls naval service.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 23, 1996, in Volume 130, page 3279 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Not applicable
Painter
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Individual
View all Letters Patent for Alaric John Martin Woodrow
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the records of the College of Arms, London, England, 11 May 1992.