Progress Through Endeavour: The Story Behind Ryde’s Coat of Arms

Every place has its story — a mix of memories, milestones, and the people who made it what it is. One such story is that which is hidden within Ryde’s Coat of Arms.

If you look closely, every curve, color, and symbol speaks of the district’s past — its orchards, its waterways, its pioneers, and its unstoppable spirit of progress.

The Birth of a Symbol

So how did the Coat of Arms come to be? Enter Sir Walter John George Verco, the Chester Herald. In 1963, he brought Ryde’s story to life through heraldry, crafting a design that was officially granted by the Kings of Arms in January 1964. What he created wasn’t just a coat of arms — it was Ryde’s story told in color and symbol.

The Shield : Where Our Story Grows

At the center of the design lies a green field — a tribute to the lush farmlands that once covered the district. Early settlers called this place Eastern Farms, and for good reason.

Across the green runs a white chevron, symbolizing Ryde’s transformation into a thriving residential area — a nod to the homes and neighborhoods that replaced the orchards but carried their warmth forward.

At the peak of that chevron sits a silver cross, honoring St Anne’s Church, built in 1826 — the heart of early community life and a beacon of faith on the hill.

And then there are the two golden apples. They aren’t just any apples — they tell the story of Maria Ann “Granny” Smith, who first cultivated her famous apple in nearby Eastwood in 1868. Those apples are Ryde’s gift to the world.

Beneath them, a rising golden sun glows — a reminder of new beginnings and of the early name Eastern Farms. Above the shield, wavy blue and white lines trace the curves of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers, the waterways that once carried fruit, grain, and hope to Sydney’s markets. Floating across the waves is a gold cornucopia, or horn of plenty — the symbol of Ryde’s agricultural abundance.

The Crest : Where Land Meets the Sea

Perched proudly atop the shield is a blue seahorse, calm and steady. It’s borrowed from the coat of arms of Ryde on the Isle of Wight — the English town after which our own Ryde was named.

But this isn’t just any seahorse. It carries the Southern Cross on its shoulder, between its lips it holds a bright red Waratah, the floral emblem of New South Wales, and between its legs rests a gold cogwheel, a symbol of modern industry and innovation.

Together, they tell of Ryde’s journey — from a farming community by the river to a vibrant hub of enterprise and progress.

The Supporters : The Ones who Stood Here Second

Flanking the shield are two figures who could’ve stepped straight out of Ryde’s earliest days.

On one side stands a Private of Marines from the late 18th century — one of the first men to receive land in the district when Governor Arthur Phillip began granting parcels in 1792.

On the other side stands a Colonial Settler, musket in hand, representing the courage and hard work of the pioneers who built homes, farms, and futures here.

Together, they represent Ryde’s foundation — one of discipline, dedication, and a shared dream of prosperity.

The Land Beneath Our Feet

They stand on a grassy mound, symbolizing the land itself — the rolling hills, fertile soil, and natural beauty that define the district even today. Draped around the entire design are folds of green and gold, colors of growth and success.

And beneath it all sits Ryde’s guiding words:

“Progress Through Endeavour.”

It’s a statement that perfectly captures the city’s story — one of determination, growth, and the unrelenting effort of its people.

A Living Story

More than sixty years later, Ryde’s Coat of Arms remains a quiet storyteller. You might pass it on a council building or see it on a sign, not realizing the generations it represents — from the orchard keepers and river traders to the planners and innovators who built the Ryde we know today.

Every apple, every wave, every line of gold speaks of one truth:
progress doesn’t happen by chance — it’s built through effort, care, and endeavour.

That’s the story of Ryde.
And it’s written right there, in its Coat of Arms.