Centred in the second row of the chain is that of the Lion which surmounts the coat of arms, presented in 1874 by Mayor Orlando Shellard. The Lion has long been associated with Hereford as it was Richard the 1st who granted Hereford its first Royal Charter in 1189. The centre of the City’s Coat of Arms depicts the shield of Richard 1st.
Hereford has always been loyal to the crown. Queen Elizabeth 1st awarded us so many privileges, most conspicuously our Cap of Maintenance and the title of Right Worshipful Mayor. Only ten in the nation have been awarded this title with Hereford being the most senior ‘Right Worshipful’. King Charles granted us our very special coat of arms for protecting him against Oliver Cromwell.
