The University of Manchester report from their Survey of Old Leftwich Hall is now available in the Members-only section.
Members of the LHA recently purchased the original canvas Robert Leftwich painting of Old Leftwich Hall that he painted in the 1880s, and are in the process of donating it for preservation. Professional reproductions from scans are available (at cost – no profit to the LHA) – see the Bookstore link for information.
There are many interpretations of the meanings of symbols on arms and shields. This is an attempt to decipher the meaning of the design of the Leftwich shield. The most commonly accepted meanings are given, but be aware that scholars question the reliability of placing historic significance on the designs of arms and crests.[1]
The arms of Richard de Winnington, who became the first Leftwich, were adapted from his father’s arms with the addition of the “cross pateé gules” which Richard used for difference.[2]
The Winnington Blazon of Arms (a written description in Heraldic terms):Argent, an inescutchion Sable, within an orle of martlets of the second.[3]
Leftwich Shield
Argent (Silver) field (surface of the shield). Peace and sincerity.
Inescutchion. Small shield in center of primary shield (an escutchion is the outer shield). Claim of a prince to sovereignty; or marriage to an heiress of the family.
Sable (black) Constancy or grief.
Orle is a border that does not touch the edges of the shield.[4]
Martlets (mythical footless swallows who loved flight so much they never landed, therefore they didn’t need legs) are thought to represent the swift. Since the swift never lands this symbol has been used as a sign of a younger son who has no land of his own, therefore no place to rest. It may signify one who has to subsist by virtue and merit, not inheritance. It is also thought that this is an emblem of one who has been on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.[5]
Of the second refers to the second color in the description (sable) to avoid repetition.
Cross Pateé (or cross formee) designates a military honor.
Gules (red). Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity.
The shape of the escutchion was determined by time period and geographic region, and was not part of the official blazon.
[1] http://www.fleurdelis.com/meanings.htm
[2] The Leftwich Heritage, Spring 2000, Leftwich Coat of Arms is Adopted by LHA, Lloyd L. Stone, Jr., pp. 8.
[3] J.P. Earwaker, History of Sandbach, pp. 208.
[4] “Heraldry,” Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2000.
[5] Stefan Oliver, An Introduction to Heraldry, Quantum Books, pp. 70.
Contributed By Mike Starr, Lloyd Stone, Derek Whitfield
Leftwich Cousins,
Message from Leftwich-land concerning the Parish Church for Leftwich (which our ancestors attended). See http://davenhamparish.net/
For those wanting to see the location of the church on Google Maps, here is the location:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/St.+Wilfrid’s+Parish+Church/@53.2374893,-2.5046008,17z
For reference, Leftwich Hall marker was located here:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/53°14’34.8“N+2°30’19.2″W
I have attached a picture of the church I took during the LHA tour of Leftwich historical sites in 2000.
Mike
—–Original Message—–
From: Derek Whitfield
Sent: Friday, July 11, 2014 12:52 PM
To: Mike
Subject: Davenham Church
Hi Mike. Found this on the St.Wilfreds, Davenham Church web
page. So, they have an incumbent at last ! As its the Parish church
for Leftwich and planning for the next tour over here is in hand I
thought I had better let you know so that you could forward it to the
movers and shakers of the Association. More to see on the web page,
Best wishes. Derek.
—
News
A new incumbent has been selected for St. Wilfrid’s,
I have pleasure in confirming the appointment of our new Incumbent, the Reverend Robert George Iveson. His induction will be on Monday 8th September at 7:30pm in Church.
Edward Domville PCC Secretary, on behalf of Dr. Martin Mewies and Philip Baylis – Parish Representatives.
St Wilfrid’s – Davenham
