A Unicorn resurrected returns home to Lancashire.

This week has seen the announcement by Peter Harling Esq. of the receipt of the blazon for his new heraldic badge. Peter says that he was " extremely pleased to receive from Mr Dickinson (Norroy & Ulster) this week, the confirmed blazon for my badge grant. Viz: A Unicorn Sejant Sable armed and unguled and gorged with a collar attached thereto a chain Or reflexed behind the Unicorn and terminating in a Rose Gules barbed and seeded Proper. The spirit behind the design is that the Sejant Sable Unicorn was borne by a branch of my family (now extinct), and it was our family wish to resurrect the Sejant Sable Unicorn and bring it home to Lancashire, hence the chain terminating with a red rose. "

Although Peter has yet to receive his Letters Patent and has not therefore seen his Unicorn in the flesh I have taken the liberty of placing my own interpretation of the blazon at the head of this post. There is something rather romantic about the resurrection of a Unicorn.

Congratulations Peter.

Massye de Grafton et de Cestr'.

Massye de Grafton et de Cestr'.Arms: Quarterly -
1 & 4 Quarterly Gules and Or, in the first quarter a lion passant Argent, a crescent Sable on a crescent Argent for difference.
2 & 3 Per saltire Sable and Ermine, a lion rampant Or; over the four quarterings a crescent Azure for difference.

Crest: An owl Sable.      

http://cheshire-heraldry.org.uk/visitations/CV34.html

Lesley Audrey Holt (1928 - 2010)

Born on the Wirral, Lesley Holt had a lifelong interest in art and art history. This interest was soon channelled into Medievalism and Heraldry. The love of heraldry coupled with a fine artistic talent and ability to absorb the most esoteric facts gave her a formidable advantage in discussions and in her talks and lectures over many years.

For over half a century she was a member of the Cheshire (originally Macclesfield) Heraldry Society and was in several other like bodies including the Stockport Writers Circle. She was a keen attender at meetings and visits and maintained this interest despite ill-health.

A determined traveller she said that "everyone should see Everest before they die" - so off she went to Nepal !!!

Her passing leaves an immense void in the local heraldry world.

In a statement on behalf of The Cheshire Heraldry Society, Chairman Harold Storey, sent the following message: 

Mrs. Lesley A. Holt - an appreciation 

We were all very saddened by the recent death of one of our founder members.  Lesley has always been a keen supporter of our activities, and has acted as Secretary and held other offices over the years.    

Lesley was a keen amateur heraldic artist, she designed the Society's badge.  She enjoyed passing on her heraldic knowledge, even running classes for young children at her local school.  Her enthusiasm for heraldry even extended to her joining a local jousting club, where she made sure that all the shields being displayed at least followed the laws of heraldry.   Some years ago she wrote a column in Cheshire Life about the Coats of Arms of various Cheshire families. 

Lesley had many other interests, not least the successes of her son - a marine biologist, and her daughter and grand-daughter who cared for her in her recent illness.

Lesley Audrey Holt (1928 - 2010)