Greenwich Borough F.C.

Greenwich Borough FC uses the coat of arms of the London Borough of Greenwich as its club crest.

The devise displays the principal features of the arms of the former metropolitan boroughs of Greenwich and Woolwich (now both part of the London Borough of Greenwich).

The blazon (heraldic description) of the arms is as follows:

"Per chevron Argent and Gules in chief an Hour Glass proper between two Estoiles Azure and in base three Cannon Barrells erect palewise proper each surmounted on the breech by a Lion's Face Or."

Translated this reads:

"The field is silver and red divided by means of a chevron. The principal charge consists of an hour glass between two blue radiated stars, and the secondary charge three upright cannon barrels side by side with a lion's face in gold imposed on each breech."

The hour glass and radiated stars symbolise the unique position held by Greenwich as the place from which the standard of time is taken and astronomical calculations made.

The three cannon barrels mark the long association with the famous Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. These also appeared on an early Arsenal FC crest adopted by that club as early as 1888 when it too was based south of the River Thames and then called "Royal Arsenal FC". The lions heads are believed to have been taken from local manorial arms.

A motto, 'We Govern by Serving', completes the Borough's arms, although for the 2002/03 season, Greenwich Borough FC has added an additional banner celebrating the club's 75th anniversary.

The club crest is not the only link Greenwich Borough FC share with Arsenal FC. Arsenal's record goalscorer - Ian Wright - began his career at Greenwich Borough.

Thanks to Keith Harmer, Press Officer and Programme Editor at Greenwich Borough FC, for the above crest and information. (Additional information from Greenwich Borough Museum and International Civic Heraldry website.)

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