- 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.
Anthony John Burton
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Grant of Arms
May 29, 1996
Vol. III, p. 87
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent two croziers in saltire Gules garnished Or surmounted of a tower Azure on a chief wavy also Azure three snowflakes Argent;
Motto
SUPER FLUMINA;
Crest
An eagle displayed Azure beaked and membered Or charged on the breast with a snowflake Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
The tower is a reference to the name Burton, which means “fort” in Old English. The croziers represent the office of bishop. The three snowflakes honour the Venerable J.M. Snowdon of Ottawa, one of Bishop Burton’s ancestors. They are also a reference to Canada and to the Holy Trinity. The wavy chief is taken from the arms for the Diocese of Saskatchewan, over which Bishop Burton presides. The shield is ensigned with a mitre as appropriate to his position as a diocesan bishop.
Motto
This Latin phrase, meaning "Upon the rivers", is taken from the Book of Common Prayer. As the title of Psalm 137, it refers to the beginning of its first verse, “By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, when we remembered thee, O Sion”. This phrase was chosen by Bishop Burton in reference to the whole psalm.
Crest
The eagle is taken from the arms for Burton-on-Trent, the ancestral home of Bishop Burton’s family. It is also a reference to one of his namesakes, Saint John the Evangelist, whose symbol is the eagle. It is made distinctive to Bishop Burton with the addition of a snowflake.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 22, 1997, in Volume 131, page 3589 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Kevin Greaves, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Individual