Maesteg Town Council
Armorial Bearings
Official Description
Arms Or
three Lozenges in pale Sable between two Flaunches indented Vert.
Crest
On a Wreath Argent and Vert A demi-Dragon Gules armed and
langued Azure supporting a Celtic Cross Or, Mantled Gules doubled Or.
INTERPRETATION
Arms
The background of the shield, on which the arms are borne, is known as
the "field". As Maesteg means "The fair field", the heraldic field is gold.
On either side of valley in which Maesteg lies are hills and these have
been symbolised by the two arcs of a circle, known as "flaunches".
These are green to suggest agriculture and indented to underline the fact
that they symbolise hills. The black diamonds, technically called lozenges
are used to symbolise coal. Three are shown on the field to represent the
three collieries, Caerau, Coegnant, and St. Johns.
Crest
There are two devices, the arms, painted on the shield, and the crest,
modelled onto the helm. It is for this reason that the helm, with its mantle
originally intended to deflect sword blows is depicted beneath the crest.
The dragon supports a Celtic Cross, symbolising the Church at the head of
the valley, but also the coat of arms.
The wreath at the base of the crest is of the Welsh colours, silver and
green.
Motto
The motto is "Gorau gweithio - cyd weithio"
" The best service is co-operation"