Kendal’s Coat of Arms

The Town’s coat-of-arms, which first saw the light of day on a Speed map printed in 1610, reflects these historical influences.  It has a gold background depicting a cowhide whilst the teasel (a prickly plant which dries like a sharp hairbrush) and bale hooks found in each of the sections of the shield represent the wool trade.  The motto, pannus mihi panis, is often interpreted as ‘wool is my bread’ which would underline the importance of the industry which, for centuries, supported the people of this busy town.