
Manchester’s coat of arms, February 2015
“Concilio et Labore” is Manchester’s motto, which loosely translated means “Wisdom and Effort”. The ship on this bridge represents the trading relationships of Manchester; the white heraldic antelope with its chain represents the engineering industries; the globe represents the extent of their industry; the bees on the globe represent efficient industry (in fact, the bee is often used as a shorthand emblem of Manchester); the lion’s crown is a castle, a reference to the ancient Roman fort of Castlefield; and the red roses worn by the two animals are references to Lancashire.
And the shadow is me, yet again!
Linked to Shadow Shot Sunday
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 28 February 2016






Don’t let that lion get you!
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Perfect!
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Love the history you provided for this image (which in itself, I love too). It seems that this kind of richness is absent more often in today’s culture.
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Yes, it often is – it’s probably thought of as old-fashioned. Though there have been a few great bridges created in last 20 years in UK alone, where the architecture and technology are impressive in their own right. I’ve just posted a Manchester modern bridge that proudly shows all of its workings 😉
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Interesting facts. Many times, small things like these escape our attention
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Yes. It was the sun (reasonably rate in Manchester!) that brought it to my attention.
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Coats of arms are so darn fascinating. I’d love to know all the symbology. (Is there such a word?)
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Maybe not, but it’s a very good word!!
Sent from my iPhone
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