he official description of the Wotton-under-Edge Coat of Arms, as authorised by the College of Arms, which granted the Patent, is as follows:- The Shield: Or (gold) on a Chevron wavy Azure (blue) another wavy Argent (silver) between in chief two Beech Trees eradicated and fructed and in the base a Sheep passant proper. The Crest: A Latin Cross Or between two Teazles slipped and leaved proper.

The acquisition of a Coat of Arms for Wotton-under-Edge is a significant indication of its growth and future status, but it is also a reflection of the town's past history. Because of its situation and the presence of the stream, the livelihood of its inhabitants depended for centuries on sheep rearing and the cloth trade.

Both the blazon of the shield and the crest contain symbols of this aspect of the town's history. Above and below the wavy Chevron, which is the symbol of the stream, are trees and a sheep. The Crest, containing the cross, indicative of the Church, also shows teazles, which were employed in the weaving of cloth.

The Motto, "Strong by Stream and Staple" is thus appropriate to the design of both shield and crest.

	Please Note:
	This Coat of Arms is issued to the Town Council by the College of Heralds. It may not be reproduced by any other person or organisation without the specific written permission of the Town Council. Such licences are usually granted on receipt of a formal request, please contact the Town Clerk for more information.