The coat of arms of Oxford shows an ox fording
the River Thames.
It has bearers that
represent two members of the court of Elizabeth
I who spent a week at Christ Church in 1566,
namely:
- Left: a black elephant representing Sir Francis Knollys, High Steward of the City, Lord Lieutenant, and MP for the County
- Right: a green beaver representing Henry Norreys of Rycote, Captain of the City Militia and MP for the County
The leopard on top, which is dotted with blue fleurs de lys, was a unique crest granted to
the city by Queen Elizabeth I. It wears the royal crown and holds the Tudor Rose in its
paws.
The Latin motto "Fortis est Veritas" means "The truth is
strong".
