Armorial Bearings

Full Armorial Achievement of

Paul Edwin Lancelot Thomas Borrow-Longain

Esq., K.R., Hon.D.Univ., M.Phys(Hon)(Wales) &c.

Blazon:

Arms. Azure, three sea lions passant guardant Or between semy of estoiles Argent Crest. Arising from a celestial crown Or (starred Argent) a demi-lynx affronte holding in the dexter paw a maple leaf Gules Badge. A lynx’s head affronty erased Azure eyed langued and celestially crowned Or the mullets Argent Motto: Terrestres Servo Coronas Sideras Observo (Serving Earthly Crowns while observing celestial ones).

Rationale:

The Armorial Achievement of the Armiger brings together significant and meaningful elements of his life, accomplishments, and ancestral heritage to form a distinctive design that is at once traditional, understated, and quintessentially English. It pays tribute to a proud lineage with over 900 years of recorded history.

The blue field of the shield symbolises the sky, while the estoiles represent the Armiger’s lifelong passion for astronomy and astrophysics. These also reflect his academic achievements in the field, having been awarded a Master of Physics in Astrophysics with Honours from the University of Wales, College Cardiff, followed by doctoral studies at the University of Exeter.

The armorial charges reflect both the personal interests of the Armiger and those of his forebears, who were closely associated with esteemed scientific institutions such as the Royal Astronomical Society, the British Association for the Advancement of Science, and the British Astronomical Association. The celestial crown and the far-seeing lynx in the crest further allude to these scientific pursuits and familial connections.

The sea lions, chosen as the principal charges upon the shield, symbolise the Armiger’s deep-rooted heritage as both an Englishman and a native of Devon. His family’s ties to the County of Devonshire are traced back to at least the 12th century. The three lions have long stood as a symbol of England and its monarchs, and by extension, Great Britain and the United Kingdom. Sea lions, in particular, have served as an emblem of the ceremonial county of Devonshire for centuries and appear as the sinister supporter in the county’s own Armorial Achievement.

The golden lynx holding a red maple leaf, forming the crest, signifies both strength of character and an enduring connection to Canada. The maple leaf serves as a powerful intergenerational symbol, reflecting the Armiger’s familial ties to one of the original dominions of the former British Empire and a continuing member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Granted: H.M. College of Arms (2004) – by The Earl Marshal, The 18th Duke of Norfolk GCVO DL

Agent: David White OStJ Esq Garter Principal King of Arms (while Rouge Croix Pursuivant)