The shield with its crest is a pictorial representation of Failsworth’s ancient past and present character.

Red and gold stripes, or bendlets, relate to the mediaeval family of de Greilley, Lords of Manchester, who held Failsworth in the 13th century. It then passed to Robert de Byron whose arms were red bend-lets on silver, It is for this reason that the main part of the shield is coloured red, gold and silver. Ermine, representing hat making, is the background for a mediaeval red velvet hat lined with ermine, with the same significance. Two Lancashire roses show the County allegiance.

An esquire’s helmet, above the shield, bears mantling (designed to protect the wearer from the sun) in the main heraldic colours. A griffin (part lion and part eagle) from the arms of the Chetham family, who succeeded to the former tenure of the Byrons, forms the main part of the crest. Three golden shafts of lightning coming from the griffin’s beak refer to Failsworth’s interest in the electrical industry. The Failsworth Pole, an expression of loyalty to the Crown, completes the picture.

The motto is, of course, of the punning kind and expresses pride in civic integrity and the high quality of the town’s industrial products.

Fred Day, Esq., of Thornton and a late resident of Failsworth, has presented to the Council a 9 Ct. gold chain of office with jewel attached, for use of the Chairman of the Council for the time being. The chain and jewel of office is described as follows:

“The regalia consists of a pendant about 3* in. x 2* in. with pierced and wrought decorative framework, surrounding a quatre-foil shaped centre with headed border and enamel painted Coat of Arms of Failsworth, in correct heraldic device on a blue ground. The Chain is approximately 40 inches long, having one centre link with plain shield with wreath ornament and crossed mace devices in relief and engraved F.U.D.C.’ with the remainder of the Chain made up of two different patterns of link alternated. The whole is 9 Ct. gold. The reverse of the pendant bears the following inscription:

1947-48: Presented to the Urban District Council of Failsworth, by Fred Day, Esq., of Failsworth and Thornton, to perpetuate the memory of his Mother and Father, Chairman—Councillor Sam Lord, JP”,

In 1956, Fred Day presented an additional gold chain.

In addition Percy Harrison Sellers, Esq., has presented to the Council a 9 ct. gold jewel of office bearing the Coat of Arms in correct heraldic device and also a gold chain to carry the same, which is to be worn on public occasions by the wife of the Chairman of the Council. The reverse of the pendant is inscribed as follows:

1948: Presented to the Urban District Council of Failsworth by Percy H. Sellers, Esq., Chairman—Councillor William Howard, ID.