Arms of the Sunderland City Council (England) Hoodie - Design Description
Shield Design
The central design, the shield, features a rich azure blue background. Two wavy silver bars, representing the River Wear and Sunderland's maritime heritage, span the shield. A narrower, blue bar, or "barrulet," is embedded within the silver bars. At the top and bottom of the shield, between the wavy bars is a golden crown flory. The circlet of the crown is adorned with four red saltires, each symbolizing a decade of Queen Elizabeth II's reign at the time the arms were granted, reflecting the city's status.
Crest Design
Above the shield, the crest rests upon a wreath of gold and blue. It features a representation of the water with wavy stripes. A "lymphad," an ancient ship with oars in action, sails upon the water. The lymphad is detailed with castles each emblazoned with two gold Crosses of Saint Cuthbert. The ship's sail, pennon, and flags are red. The design is mantled in blue and gold.
Supporters Design
The shield is flanked by two supporters, each representing elements of the Sunderland area. On the dexter (right) side, a golden lion stands, armed and with its tongue in red. The lion wears a white collar fringed in black and charged with six wheat ears, signifying agriculture. A roundel, or circular disc, is suspended from the collar. It is diagonally divided in gold and blue, featuring a red cross entwined with a white orle and stands on a gold anchor. On the sinister (left) side, a blue lion stands, armed and with its tongue in red. This lion wears a white collar fringed in red, bearing six red mullets (stars), representing mining. A roundel, or circular disc, is suspended from the collar. It is diagonally divided in gold and blue, featuring a red boar's head above a gold miner's pick.
Overall Symbolism
The design as a whole is rich with symbolism, referencing Sunderland's history, geography, and industries. The river, the ship, and the anchor all celebrate the maritime heritage. The crown and saltires recognize the city's status. The lions and the symbols they carry embody agriculture, mining, and the rural environment.
