1974-1992
| Argent a quadrant Sable; on a chief wavy azure between two crosses of Saint Cuthbert an ancient ship sail set Or, flying flags and pennon of Saint George.
For crest: On a wreath Argent and Azure, on a mount Vert, in front of a long cross pommy issuant Gules the head interlaced with an orle Argent a boar passant Sable armed and langued Gules. For supporters: On either side a lion Argent, that on the dexter side gorged with a collar gemel enclosing six mullets, three being manifest, Gules, and standing on an anchor fesswise the flukes inward Or, that on the sinister gorged with a collar gemel Sable enclosing six ears of wheat, three being manifest, proper, standing on a miner's pick fesswise the head inward Or. For a badge: A fountain fimbriated Or and charged with a quadrant Sable. As a motto: Nil desperandum auspice Deo |
| The massive local government reorganisation of 1974, and the incorporation of more outlying areas presented the opportunity for a comprehensive redrawing, adding collars and a new crest to represent the various areas of the borough. |
| Shield and supporters are from the arms of the County Borough of Sunderland. The quadrant was first used in the area in the 17th century, whilst the chief wavy (for the River Wear) includes the cross of St Cuthbert, representing the bishops and monks of Wearmouth. The supporters' collars represent the areas added by the Local government reorganisation in 1974. Dexter for Washington has - the stars and stripes from the Washington family coat of arms. Sinister, for Hetton's agricultural interests has black fimbriation to represent the rails of the first steam hauled wagonway in the country, taking coal from Hetton to the River Wear. The crest is for Houghton le Spring, combining symbols of the le Spring family, the district's Patron Saint, St Michael, and a local rector - Bernard Gilpin. The supporters stand on a pick and anchor for the coal mining and shipbuilding industries. |
Read more about this topic: Coat Of Arms Of Sunderland