Armorial bearings of Lewes District Council

Lewes District Council was formed by the combination of the former Chailey Rural District Council, the Lewes Borough Council and Newhaven and Seaford Urban District Councils. The principal elements and colouring of the Arms serve as reminders of these former authorities.

The Shield, with its golden lion and border of blue and gold check are drawn from the former Lewes Borough Arms and reflects the influence of the Fitzalan and de Warrenne families respectively. To symbolise the coastal and maritime interest of the District, the lion’s hindquarters have been replaced with a sea lion’s tail. The crest of a black eagle is drawn from the Seaford Arms and recalls the local influence there of the powerful d’Aquila family. The eagle wears a golden collard from which is suspended a golden anchor – the principal device of the badge of the former Newhaven Urban District Council. The Saxon Crown is derived from the arms of the former East Sussex County Council and this recognises not only that Lewes District is within the administrative county of East Sussex, but that the County Town of Lewes is the centre of justice and the seat of local administration.

The 'Kent' Chain - Chair's chain of office

Presented to Lewes District Council by Cllr George Kent. Chair of the Council 1976/77 at the Annual Meeting of the Council on 18 May 1977. This was also the year of the Queen's Silver Jubilee.

The 'Kent' Chain chain and badge were designed and made by Councillor Kent's daughter for use by the Chair of the Council's Consort.

With the formation of Seaford Town Council in 1999 the Coldstream Chain was returned to Seaford and the Kent Chain has been gilded and together with the badge featuring the coat of arms, is now used by the Chair of LDC.

The silver badge is still used by the Chairman's Consort.

Each link of the chain depicts an element of the armorial bearings of LDC. The armorial bearings were designed by a retired member of the Council staff.