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.

Gillian Patricia Birtwistle

East York, Ontario
Grant of Arms
July 22, 1996
Vol. III, p. 33

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


Blazon

Arms

Quartely, in the first and fourth per pale dancetty Argent and Sable a sword erect the blade enflamed proper pommel and hilt Or between two flaunches counterchanged; second and third Azure a unicorn couchant the tail erect ermine armed unguled crined and tufted Or langued Gules;

Crest

A demi-dragon Sable armed and langued Gules grasping in the dexter claw a cross crosslet fitché Or and resting the sinister claw on a rose Gules barbed and seeded proper;

Motto

SAPIENTIA CRESCITO VERITAS POLLETO;


Symbolism

Arms

This shield quarters the arms of Ms. Birtwistle’s parents, David Birtwistle and Patricia Joan Birtwistle (née Parkinson). Her parents’ arms were granted by the Kings of Arms, London, in 1975 and 1979 respectively. The 1st and 4th quarters belong to her father’s arms and the 2nd and 3rd belong to her mother’s arms.

Crest

The shield is displayed with her father’s crest.

Motto

This is her father’s motto, meaning “Let knowledge increase and truth prevail”.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 23, 1996, in Volume 130, page 3280 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Not applicable

Painter
Debra MacGarvie

Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet


Recipient Information

Individual