Arms of Cumbria County Council (England) - Design Description
This t-shirt showcases the intricate and symbolic design of the coat of arms granted to the Cumbria County Council on October 10, 1974. The artwork is a vibrant representation of the historical counties that formed Cumbria, offering a rich tapestry of heraldic imagery.
Central Shield Elements
The shield itself is divided vertically, "per pale," with one half in blue (azure) and the other in gold (or). A wavy pale, also divided per pale gold and green (vert), bisects the shield, symbolizing the rivers and lakes of the region. Over this, two "bars dancetty" – bars with upward-pointing teeth – are prominently displayed, their alternating silver and blue, and silver and green colors, representing the fells and mountains of Cumbria.
Border & Embellishments
Surrounding the central design is a border in green (vert), bearing alternating elements. Three silver roses with red centers (gules) and natural barbs and seeds, representing Lancashire (Furness), are placed alongside three silver Parnassus flowers, the emblem of Cumberland. The alternation adds visual rhythm and balance to the overall composition.
Crest & Supporters
Above the shield, the crest features a mural crown from which emerges a ram's head, in its natural colors with gold horns, flanked by two Parnassus flowers. The ram's head is a nod to Westmorland and Barrow County Borough.
The supporters, positioned on either side of the shield, are a Dacre Bull and a red dragon, both in red (gules). The Dacre Bull, a historic symbol of Cumberland, is collared with a gold chain. The dragon represents the Brittonic heritage of the region. They stand upon a section of a Roman Wall, with two red bars, representing Hadrian's Wall and the historic county of Westmorland.
