The arms were officially granted today in 1890 (30 June).
The wolf-is taken from the arms of Sir Arthur Chichester, the founder of Belfast, who obtained the city’s charter from English King James I in 1613.
The ship tells of Belfast’s pre-eminence as a seaport, as do the seahorses.
The motto means “What return shall we make for so much?”, and is a paraphrase of a verse from Psalm 116.
Do you want to learn more about the history of Belfast? Let me take you on my people and places tour!