Coat of Arms

 

The new design combines items from the Coats of Arms of both the former Borough of Eastleigh and the former Winchester Rural District Council together with some amendments to depict various aspects of the new Borough.

 

The design is in a traditional style, and each detail symbolises a particular piece of the Borough's history.

 

The intertwined lilies and roses at the top of the crest indicate the union of the two parts of the Borough.  The roses are Hampshire roses and the lilies represent St Mary, the patron Saint of the churches at Bishopstoke and South Stoneham.

 

The lion is a traditional beast in coats of arms.  Underneath, a naval crown records the Borough's naval connections.  A helmet is also traditionally part of a crest and a knight's helmet with the visor closed is used for corporate bodies, whilst the mantling represents the cloak which knights wore over their armour.

 

The Bishop's mitre refers to the connection of the Bishops of Winchester with Bishopstoke, and is placed between two sheaves of corn which symbolise the rural and agricultural nature of the new Borough.

 

The two narrow black bands on either side of the chequerboard represent railway lines recalling the historical importance of railways in the old Borough.  They also reflect the cable making activities of another of the town's large employers.  In between these lines the black and white chequered strip recalls that Eastleigh was once a Manor held by the Chamberlains of the Royal Exchequer.  The winged wheel in the centre signifies the theme of progress and transport.

 

The medieval ship at the bottom of the crest represents the shipbuilding and yachting activities at Bursledon and Hamble.

 

The motto, although not strictly part of the Arms, reads "The Welfare of the People is the most important Law".