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Roy Herbert Thomson

Toronto, Ontario
Registration of Arms and Supporters
October 20, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 221

Arms of Roy Herbert Thomson
Arms of Roy Herbert Thomson Arms of Roy Herbert Thomson

Arms of Roy Herbert Thomson

Blazon

Argent a stag’s head caboshed proper, on a chief Azure a hunting horn Argent stringed Gules between two mullets Argent;

Symbolism

The stag’s head on white and the blue chief are commonly found in Scottish Thomson arms. The stag’s head replaces the moose’s head in Mr. Thomson’s 1958 grant of arms. The hunting horn alludes to communications and thus refers to Mr. Thomson’s status as a media magnate.

Crest of Roy Herbert Thomson

Blazon

A beaver sejant erect proper playing a hunting horn Argent slung over his dexter shoulder by a ribbon of the Thomson tartan;

Symbolism

The beaver symbolizes Mr. Thomson’s Canadian origins, while the tartan celebrates his Scottish ancestry. The horn repeats the symbolism of the Arms.

Motto of Roy Herbert Thomson

Blazon

NEVER A BACKWARD STEP;

Symbolism

This sentiment possibly refers to the hard work and drive that Mr. Thomson used to build up his many businesses.

Supporters of Roy Herbert Thomson

Blazon

Dexter a Mississauga warrior holding a bow, sinister a shepherd vested of the Thomson tartan kilt and a bonnet and holding a shepherd’s crook, both standing on a grassy mount proper;

Symbolism

The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The Mississauga warrior represents Southern Ontario since Mr. Thomson lived in Mississauga and his business headquarters were based in Toronto. The shepherd is another allusion to his Scottish ancestry.

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 Roy Herbert Thomson Letters patent registering the heraldic emblems of Roy Herbert Thomson

Additional Information