I was commissioned to illustrate a custom coat of arms for The Carden Arms, a charming Grade II listed 18th-century coaching inn located at the heart of Tilston village. Steeped in history, the inn is known for its collection of antiques, artwork, old rugs, and roaring fires.
In creating the coat of arms, I adhered to the traditional conventions of heraldic design, which typically include a shield, supporters, a crest, and a motto. The shield serves as the central element, while supporters are figures or animals placed on either side, often symbolizing strength or protection. In this case, I incorporated horses and a bull, reflecting the inn’s connection to both local culture and rural heritage. The carriage, symbolic of the inn’s history as a coaching stop, was integrated into the design, along with local flora to root the identity in the surrounding landscape. Above the shield, I included a helmet, another common feature of heraldic design, signifying nobility and tradition. Each element was carefully chosen to encapsulate the inn’s rich heritage and the surrounding village’s character.
For the motto, I chose "Fide et Amore"—Latin for "By Faith and Love." This phrase reflects the inn’s enduring commitment to hospitality, community, and warmth, while also nodding to the timeless values that have kept the Carden Arms a beloved local landmark for centuries.