High Sheriffs’ Badge of Office

The Queen issued her Royal Licence and Authority for the Shrievalty Association of England and Wales to incorporate the Royal Crown in its arms and badge in 1991. There are only a few institutions which have been licensed to use the Royal Crown in this way and this is a very rare privilege. The Crown has an ermine border around its base to symbolise the Judiciary.

The swords are in saltire (crossed in an x-shape), with the blunt sword representing Mercy and the sharp sword, Justice. The Tudor roses symbolise England and the crossed leeks, Wales. The wreath of gold oak leaves is representative of the national tree of England.

Rutland Coat of Arms

The arms were officially granted on May 1st, 1950.

The green shield represents the County’s agriculture, especially its rich pasture land and the acorn exemplifies the former forest land which at one time covered much of the County, especially on the south side. The horseshoe represents the County’s history and hunting association, and recalls the unique collection of horseshoes presented by royalty, peers of the realm, and noblemen passing through the County, which hang on the walls of Oakham Castle.

The motto ‘Multum in Parvo’ (Much in little) refers to Rutland being the smallest county in England.