Coat of arms of the City of Oxford
The coat of arms of Oxford shows an ox fording the River Thames.
It has bearers that represent two members of the court of Elizabeth I who spent a week at Christ Church in 1566, namely:
- Left: a black elephant representing Sir Francis Knollys, High Steward of the City, Lord Lieutenant, and MP for the County
- Right: a green beaver representing Henry Norreys of Rycote, Captain of the City Militia and MP for the County
The leopard on top, which is dotted with blue fleurs de lys, was a unique crest granted to the city by Queen Elizabeth I. It wears the royal crown and holds the Tudor Rose in its paws.
The Latin motto "Fortis est Veritas" means "The truth is strong".
Below: coat of arms dated 1866 on the wall of the Council Chamber in the Town Hall.
Left: Even the weather-vane on top of the Town Hall shows the ox crossing the ford
Below: the stylized version of the ox crossing the ford used on city council stationery today
