The books were incorporated to represent Cheltenham's as a centre for learning as a result of the establishment of the Ladies College and the College for boys, the Cross is that of Edward the Confessor who at one time owned much of the land that is now Cheltenham.
It was a very healthily flock of Pigeons feeding at a local spring that led to the discovery of the 'Healthy effects of the Cheltenham water which later led to the fame of Cheltenham. The Blue background at the top of the shield is also symbolic of the Spa Waters. The Oak symbolizes Cheltenham's position, both historical and today, as one of Britain's foremost Garden towns. The Fleece sitting on top of the crest represents the fleece of the Cotswolds Sheep which were bought and sold during Cheltenham's early role as a market town serving the surrounding area.
A loose interpretation of the Motto, 'Salubirtas Et Eruditio' is 'Through Health and Learning, The two major factors in the historic growth and development of the town.
BJC
The Chain is a shaped Link Chain with the Fountain of the Crest and the Cross of the Arms enamelled in colours in the centre of each Link alternately. The Badge is a carved and embossed one, with the Borough Arms in the centre, enamelled in colours on the front. The whole is of fine 18ct. gold and weighs about 30 ozs.
The Badge bears on the back thereof the following inscription:
''Presented
by Alderman Carrington to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the
Borough of Cheltenham.
W.
Nash Skillicorne, Esq., First Mayor, 1877."
Mayoress's Jewel presented November, 1934, by Councillor and Mrs. T. Wilfred Waite,
Mayoress's Chain presented by residents anonymously in 1965.
Presented November, 1938, by Alderman and Mrs. E. L. Ward.
CBC
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This Mace is of Silver, richly enamelled and gilt. The head of the Mace has the eight bars of the Imperial Crown, surmounted by Ball and Cross. The Arms, Crest, and Motto of the Borough of Cheltenham in full enamel-blazon occur on one side, while the Arms, Crest and supporters of England are given in repousse and enamel work on the reverse. The intervening spaces on the head of the Mace are occupied with national emblems in repousse surrounding two oval medallions ; one of these adorned with fountains, springs of water, and the serpent-twined staff of Esculapius, refers to Cheltenham as a Health Resort. The other having books and other Educational Symbols, the lamp of learning, and Minerva's Owl, refers to its famous schools. The column of the Mace is elegantly divided by a series of knops, so arranged as to be convenient for holding or for carrying erect, all enriched with suggestive decorations. The Rose, the Oak, the heraldic indication of a fountain, with the leaves of water-plants of various forms, all combine harmoniously in the design, while the enamelled monogram of the Mayor in the larger knop has opposite to it the inscription recording the gift as follows :- ''This Mace, purchased by Public Subscription, was presented to George Parsonage, Esq., and by him presented to the Corporation of Cheltenham, in the fifth year of his Mayoralty of the Borough, and the 50th year of Queen Victoria's Reign, 11th June, 1887." CBC |
