CRESTS

ARMS: Quarterly Or and Argent on a Cross Gules between a Lion passant of the last in the first quarter an Oak Tree issuant from a Mount proper in the second an Estoile Azure in the third and two Lions passant in the fourth a Crosier in pale of the first and two Crescents in fesses of the second
CREST: On a Wreath of the Colours upon a Rock proper in front of a Crosier erect Or a Lion Azure resting the dexter paw on an Anchor also Or.

Motto ‘UBI FIDES IBI LUX ET ROBUR’ – Where there is faith there is light and strength. Granted 28th August 1878.

The principal emblems were taken from the seals of the several local governing bodies of the townships amalgamated to to form the Borough of Birkenhead. The crosier or pastoral staff and the lion formed part of the seal of the ‘Extra-Parochial Chapelry or Township of Birkenhead’, the lion was derived from the arms of the Massey family; Hamon de Massey having in 1150 , founded the Benedictine Monastery to which the crosiers refer. The oak tree was the main feature of the Tranmere Local Board, the star (or perhaps starfish) is representative of Bebington and the two lions of Oxton. The crescents possibly represent the Laird family, which did much for the development of the town. The motto seeks to bring out the two ideas of religious sentiment and the union of four townships.

The meaning of these elements were: crosier (or shepherds cook) was taken from the Birkenhead crest, along with a single lion, which came from the family seal of Hamon de Massey, who founded the town’s Benedictine monastery in 1150. An oak tree was taken from the Tranmere local board insignia, while two lions were included to represent Oxton, making Rovers one of the few English clubs to actually have three lions on their shirt. Meanwhile, a wavy-sided star, known as an estoile azure, was representative of Bebington and two crescents were used to denote the Laird family, which worked tirelessly to improve living conditions and employment in the area. Finally, a scroll bearing the borough’s official motto was included. Suggested by Canon Tarver of Chester, Ubi Fides ibi Lux et Robur is Latin for ‘Where there is faith, there is light and strength’ and it speaks to Wirral’s unwavering resolve and steadfast optimism to punch above its weight.

The club crest has five main elements
a single lion
a tree, representing Birkenhead Park
the sun
two lions
horseshoes

The former crest also featured: the motto “Ubi Fides ibi Lux et Robur” (“Where there is faith there is light and strength” – also the motto of the former Birkenhead borough) a ship on a ball, representing Cammell Laird shipyard

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