|
Surmounted by the orb and cross, the head or bowl is divided into four
compartments by winged semi-figures. The four compartments contain
the following symbols:
1. The
Rose and Thistle surmounted by a crown.
2. The Harp, similarly crowned.
3. A fleur-de-lys also crowned.
4. The old seal of the Borough depicting
the Church, the Town, the Bridges and the Woolsack.
On a flat plate, under the
arched crown at the top, are the Royal arms of George 2. The sheild
is divided into four quarters, namely
1. England and
Scotland
2. France
3. Ireland
4. Hanover
Surrounding it is the Garter
with the motto of the Order "Honi
soit qui mal y pense" and the ribbon
below is inscribed "Dieu et
mon droit."
The head or bowl is supported
by four three-quarter figure brackets. The shaft is beautifully ornamented
with embossed acanthus leaves.
The maces were made in the
city of London in 1727, probably in the second half of that year as
they bare the arms of George 2. This was three years after the granting
of the third and final chapter of incorporation as Borough.
This is bamboo pole, 7ft long surmounted with a silver
ball, and the Borough seal; not the seal now used (which dates from 1772)
but one of the earlier date, as on the Maces - hence the staff was probably
made at at about the same time - circa 1727.
It is now used by the Town Beadle; but was probably
made for the Bailiff of the Hundred to be carried before the Mayor and
Corporation at Perambulation of the Town Leat.
|
