The Town of Amherst

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.

Amherst, Nova Scotia
Registration of Arms
November 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 134

Arms of The Town of Amherst
Arms of The Town of Amherst
 
Arms of The Town of Amherst

Arms of The Town of Amherst

Blazon

Argent a saltire Azure surmounted by three tilting lances in asterisk Or interlaced by a laurel wreath proper, on a chief barry wavy Argent and Azure, between a rose and a fleur-de-lis Or a pale Vert charged with a tower Or;

Symbolism

The white background with a blue saltire cross alludes to the arms of Nova Scotia. The tilting lances and the laurel wreath are taken from the crest of Lord Amherst, the military commander and Governor of the Province of Quebec after whom the town was named. The green square refers to the town’s position on the isthmus between the Cumberland Basin and the Northumberland Strait, which are represented by the stylized waves. The tower alludes to the fortifications that once existed in the area, and the rose and fleur-de-lis to the English and French troops that once fought over it.

Crest

Blazon

Two hands clasped couped holding a sprig of mayflower proper and a maple leaf Vert;

Symbolism

The crest of clasped hands and floral sprigs is based on that of Nova Scotia. The mayflower is the provincial flower, while the maple leaf alludes to the town’s Canadian identity.

 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

Since 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent registering the heraldic emblems of the Town of Amherst

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original Concept of the College of Arms, London.

Painter

Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres

Calligrapher

Not applicable

Recipient Type

Civil Institution

Other Information

The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 20 June 1962.