Have you ever wondered what all those things mean on the Wigan Warriors coat of arms? If you have then carry on reading, I’m going to tell you. If you haven’t then carry on reading, I’m going to tell you anyway.
It’s interesting to note that Wigan didn’t have a coat of arms until 1922 when they were granted one by the College of Arms to the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the County Borough of Wigan. Don’t ask me who all these blokes were but I think you’ll agreed that they did a belting job on producing a coat of arms for Wigan.
The first thing you may notice in the coat of arms is the head of a King. This isn’t just any old picture of a King, it is in fact modelled on the portrait of King Edward III. However, as this is Wigan's coat of arms it actually symbolises King Henry I.
Underneath the head of the King is a Royal Lion who is guarding the King.
The red shield containing the picture of a castle and a crown is next. The castle is a Norman castle and the crown is a medieval royal crown.
Either side of the shield stand two Royal Lions each holding branches, with berries, of the mountain ash tree or Wiggin tree as it’s also known.
The motto “Ancient and Loyal” is in keeping with the coat of arms. Wigan described itself as the "Ancient and Loyal Borough", a title originating in the 1663 charter of King Charles II which described the town as an "ancient borough" and noted its "loyalty to us".
So next time you put on that famous cherry and white jersey just take a second to remember all the history and meaning behind our famous badge.
*** This article first appeared in issue 2 of Cherry & White (a Wigan Warriors Fanzine). You can follow Cherry & White on twitter @CherryWhiteZine and purchase the fanzine here :- cherrywhite.bigcartel.com ***
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