HEALTH AND LEARNING

The inscription Salubritas et Eruditio on the Cheltenham Borough Crest means 'Health and Learning' - a reference to the town's history as a health spa and education centre. The books on the blue background at the top of the shield, which symbolises the Spa Waters, were added to emphasize Cheltenham as a centre for learning as a result of the establishment of the Ladies College and the College for boys. In between them is the Cross of Edward the Confessor, who at one time owned much of the land that is now Cheltenham.

Cheltenham Burough Crest

THE BIRDS, OAK AND FLEECE

The birds on top of the crest and in the brown field of the shield represent the discovery of the springs of spa water, which later led to the fame of Cheltenham. A flock of pigeons, who were feeding on the salt of the local spring, drew attention to its whereabouts. The Oak symbolizes Cheltenham's position, both historical and today, as one of Britain's foremost Garden towns. The Fleece on the crest represents the fleece of the Cotswolds Sheep which were bought and sold on Cheltenham's market, which was serving the surrounding area.

THE ROBINS

The crest of Cheltenham Borough is in fact the crest of Cheltenham Town FC. It was used since 1932 but fell out of favour during the 1970s and 1980s when a robin design was preferred. The reintroduction of the town crest coincided with the club's rise from nonleague to the Nationwide Football League in 1999.