Coat of Arms

Barnsley Coat of Arms

The coat of arms was granted to the town on its incorporation as a borough in 1869. The figures of a miner and a glassblower were added in 1913 and represent the two major industries upon which Barnsley was built. Unfortunately, both industries have suffered serious decline in recent years. Whilst the miner stands upon a heap of coal, the glassblower stands upon a grassy mound which represents the rural areas of the borough. The former local authority areas, which were brought together to form the metropolitan borough in 1974 are represented in an escarpuncle of fourteen points placed in a crest under the griffon's claw. The central shield includes the following features: Two shuttles representing the linen trade, one of Barnsley's main industries in the 19th centure. Crossed pick axes representing the mining industry. The falcon and the padlock taken from the coat of arms of Joseph Locke, the eminent civil engineer who was responsible for the construction of many railways in Britain and abroad and whose widow gave the beautiful Locke Park to the town in his memory. The two boars' heads taken from the arms of the Beckett family, bankers and merchants, who had various interests in Barnsley and the surrounding areas. The cross between two covered cups representing Monk Bretton Priory, which was dissolved by Henry VIII. The motto on the scroll which forms the base of the coat of arms, 'Spectemur Agendo', means 'Judge us by our Actions'.

Owner Officer Contact Details

Mayor's Office, Town Hall, Barnsley. S70 2TA

Telephone: 01226 773804 or 01226 773823

Email: MayorsOffice@barnsley.gov.uk

Related Links:

• History of Barnsley
• Civic Regalia