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.
Mississauga, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badges
July 15, 2009
Vol. V, p. 457
Arms of Benjamin Carter ThorntonBlazonQuarterly Vert and Argent, a Celtic cross throughout counterchanged; SymbolismThe Celtic cross represents the Thornton line that emigrated from County Kilkenny, Ireland in 1825 and settled in Perth, Ontario. The cross also alludes to Mr. Thornton’s Catholic faith. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a circlet of trilliums and mayflowers proper, a demi-lion Argent charged on the shoulder with a fleur-de-lis and holding in its dexter paw a branch of six maple leaves Vert; SymbolismThe lion represents the English and Scottish background of both Mr. Thornton and his wife, and the fleur-de-lis honours his French ancestors. The branch of six maple leaves represents his interest in genealogy and his father’s six children. The trilliums represent his family’s long history in Ontario, and the mayflower represents his wife’s family’s roots in both Nova Scotia and Massachusetts. |
MottoBlazonSAEPE RIDETE BENEQUE; SymbolismMeaning “Laugh often and well”, the motto is inspired by a similar expression used by Mr. Thornton’s family for many years. |
Badge of Benjamin Carter ThorntonBlazonOn a roundel per pale Vert and Argent a branch of six maple leaves counterchanged; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Benjamin Carter ThorntonBlazonA quill pen surmounted in base by two thorn branches in saltire Vert; SymbolismThe thorn branch is a canting reference to Thornton, and the quill pen represents Mr. Thornton’s writing. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 12, 2009 in Volume 143, page 3682 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Karine Constantineau, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterIlona Jurkiewicz CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeIndividual |