The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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.

Nigel Harry Richardson

Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, with differences to Eve Mary Richardson
November 12, 1996
Vol. III, p. 133

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Argent on a cross Gules five lions passant guardant Or in each quarter a cross Gules charged with a compass rose Or;

Crest

Issuant from a mural coronet Gules masoned Argent a grassy mound Vert thereon a boar statant Argent unguled and tusked Or;

Motto

BE NOT AFRAID;

Differenced Arms for Eve Mary Richardson, daughter of Nigel Harry Richardson

The Arms of Nigel Harry Richardson within a bordure Or charged above the chief with three hearts and in base with one heart Gules; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death;


Symbolism

Arms

The red cross charged with lions is taken from the arms of York, England, and represents Mr. Richardson’s status as a Freeman of that city by patrimony. The red crosses charged with a compass rose in each quarter symbolize urban planning. Because a compass rose appears in the crest of the Northwest Territories, they are also a salute to that region, a focus of much of his professional work. The lions also symbolize the Lion of Judah and thus honour Mr. Richardson’s Jewish heritage.

Crest

The mural crown in the colours of Canada is a reference to Mr. Richardson’s profession as an urban planner in this country. The boar taken from the Arms of the Bermuda Company honours Mr. Richardson birthplace.

Motto

This is a phrase taken from William Shakespeare's The Tempest (Act III, scene ii) and reflects Mr. Richardson’s interest in the playwright and his works.

Differenced Arms for Eve Mary Richardson, daughter of Nigel Harry Richardson

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 24, 2001, in Volume 135, page 937 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Linda Nicholson

Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge


Recipient Information

Individual