City Coat Of Arms On Corn Exchange - Leeds, UK - Coats of Arms on Waymarking.com

Designed by world-renowned architect from Hull, Cuthbert Brodrick, Leeds Corn Exchange opened in 1863 and operated as a traditional Corn Exchange until the early 1990s. The building incorporated these coat of arms in a stone roundel surrounded by a carved cornucopia, a symbol of abundance and nourishment.

The coat of arms
This coat of arms has changed over the years in line with the changing fortunes of Leeds itself. The original arms from 1666 were simply a shield with 3 stars and a fleece. The 3 stars were taken from the arms of Sir Thomas Danby, the first Mayor of Leeds and the fleece symbolised that Leeds main trade was wool.

By the time of the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 3 owls had been added. 2 Large ones as supporters and 1 on top of the shield. These were taken from the arms of Sir John Saville, the first Alderman of Leeds.

Leeds is very proud of its owls, and they have been used to decorate many places in the city on their own without being incorporated in the full coat of arms. The use of the owls by the Saville family dates back to before 1066 when the family was granted large tracts of land in England for helping William the Conqueror of Normandy to take over England. They appear to be Eagle Owls, but it is not sure why they were originally used because it is not believed any existed in Europe at that time.

The Latin motto ‘Pro Rege et Lege’ means ‘For King and the Law’.

Bearer of Coat of Arms: Town Full name of the bearer: Leeds County Borough Council Where is Coat of Arms installed (short description) ?: In a roundel at the top of the former Corn Exchange Material / Design: Stone Blazon (heraldic description): For the arms: azure, a fleece or; on a chief sable three mullets argent; and for the crest: On a wreath of the colours, An owl proper; and for the supporters: On either side an owl proper ducally gorged or. Motto: 'PRO REGE ET LEGE'. Address: The Corn Exchange Call Lane Leeds West Yorkshire United Kingdom LS1 7BR Web page about the structure where is Coat of Arms installed (if exists): [Web Link] Web page about the bearer of Coat of Arms (if exists): [Web Link]

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