West Glamorgan
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Blazon
Shield: Argent three chevronels gules between in chief two pine cones vert dimidiating as many gouttes sable and in base a lozenge also sable.
Crest: On a wreath of the colours in front of a demi-dragon gules holding between the fore paws of a rose gules barbed and seeded proper thereon a rose argent likewise barbed and seeded proper four annulets embattled on the outer edge or.
Supporters: Dexter, an osprey wings elevated gorged with a steel chain of square links and holding in the beak a Fish all proper sinister a heron wings elevated gorged with an aluminium ahain of square links and holding in the beak a fish proper; upon a compartment per pale water barry wavy proper and a ploughed field also proper.
Mantled: vert doubled argent.
Motto: Cadarn Pob Cyfiawn (The just are strong).
The county West Glamorgan in south Wales was created in 1974 when the county of Glamorgan (created in 1536) was broken into three. It ceased to exist as an administrative county in 1996 (although it survives as a "preserved county" with a Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff).
The Welsh dragon in the crest holds a Tudor rose and is rising from four gold embattled annulets, representing the county's four districts. The embattlement makes the annulets look like cog-wheels, and represent the county's industries.
The dexter supporter is an osprey holding a fish in its beak, which also features in the arms of Swansea, with a chain of steel around its neck, symbolizing the steel industry (the town of Port Talbot contained a major steel plant). The other supporter is a heron, also holding a fish in its beak, with an aluminium chain representing the aluminium industry. The two fish refer to the area's maritime interests. The compartment (base refers again to the county's maritime interests and to agriculture.