OXFORD, City of (Oxfordshire).

OXFORD, City of (Oxfordshire). Argent, an ox gules, passing over a ford of ' water in base barry wavy azure and argent. Crest — On a wreath of the colours a demi-lion rampant guardant azure, crowned with an imperial crown, holding between the paws a rose gules, charged with another argent. Supporters — On the dexter side an elephant ermines, eared, collared, and lined argent, and on the sinister side a beaver vert, its tail azure and argent, ducally gorged and lined or. Motto — " Fortis est Veritas."

Berry gives a note — " In the City Seal the sinister supporter is engraved like a fox. In the Visitation of Oxford, taken the 12th of August 1634, the arms, crest, and supporters are drawn with this difference, viz., the base of the escocheon barry-wavy of six az. and ar., the escocheon encircled with a ribbon az., charged with four roses and four fleurs-de-lis or, placed alternately ; the ribbon edged of the last. The crest is strewed with fleurs-de-lis, az., and the sinister supporter drawn like a beaver."

Burke adds a note that some authorities give, " Bendy wavy argent and azure, an ox gu. passing over a ford ppr."

Original Source bookofpublicarms00foxd_djvu.txt near line 19606.