ARMS, SEALS, INSIGNIA, PLATE, AND OFFICERS
The arms granted to Birmingham in 1889, when it
became a city, are basically those previously adopted
by the council. (fn. 1) They incorporate in the quarters
of the shield two distinct coats used by the de
Birminghams who held the manor of Birmingham
until the early 16th century. The order of the coats
has been reversed to difference the city arms from
those of the family. The fess, added for further
difference, has a note of the arms of the Calthorpes,
lords of the manor of Edgbaston. Supporters to the
arms were also granted in 1889. The newly-granted
arms were embodied in a new seal struck in the
same year. The present seal was struck in 1903 and
bears the legend: Common Seal Of The Lord
Mayor Aldermen & Citizens Of The City Of
Birmingham.
The insignia of the city include a gold mayoral
chain presented in 1863 and a silver gilt mace
presented in 1897 by the makers, Elkington and
Co., to mark the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria.
The civic plate consists mainly of modern pieces,
although some of 17th- and 18th-century date have
been acquired. (fn. 2)
A complete list of mayors and lord mayors, and of
town clerks and treasurers, is recorded in the
Birmingham Post Year Book, 1961-2.
Footnotes
| 1 |
For the history of the arms and seals of Birmingham,
see C. W. Scott-Giles, Civic Heraldry of Eng. and Wales,
375-6; Hist. Corp. i. 172-4; ii. 544; iii. 381; iv. 499; Birm.
Post Year Book, 1961-2, 6. See also A. C. Fox-Davies,
Book of Public Arms, 84; L1. Jewett, Corp. Plate and Insignia
of Office of cities and towns of Eng. and Wales, 394; B.M.
Cat. of Seals, ii. 14. The following description is based on
these sources and on information kindly given by the
Town Clerk. |
| 2 |
For a complete list and description of the civic insignia
and plate see the Birm. Post Year Book, 1961-2, 8-10. |