READING (Berkshire).

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READING (Berkshire). (Azure), five heads in saltire couped at the neck (proper crined or), the centre head ducally crowned (of the last).

According to Berry, these arms were granted by Camden, Clarenceux King of Arms, in the year 1566, and subsequently confirmed by Hervey, Clarenceux King of Arms ; but Berry states that the centre head is between the letters R and E, and Debrett's " House of Commons " so gives it. The entry made at the time of visitations is simply a drawing of the seal, which shows the five heads in saltire without any tinctures being marked, and having the legend,

"Communitatis Radingie," but the said drawing is distinctly labelled, " These are the Armes apperteyninge," etc.

The arms," Azure, three escallop-shells or,"-have frequently been attributed to the town, but these are the arms of Reading Abbey. The escallop-shell in the remote ages was the peculiar badge of a " palmer," and it is a curious coincidence that to a family of the name of " Palmer" Reading should owe so much of its present prosperity.

Original Source bookofpublicarms00foxd_djvu.txt near line 21426.