Coat of Arms, Bermondsey Borough Council

The Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey was formed from the vestries of St Olave and St Mary Magdalen in Bermondsey, and St Mary the Virgin in Rotherhithe.  The new borough was created in 1900 and the coat of arms was granted a year later.  It comprises emblems for each the three constituent churches.

St Mary Magdalen Church was once a part of Bermondsey Abbey and was where the Abbey’s lay workers worshipped.  This is represented by the lion and crosier.  

St Olave’s Church is represented by the axe and crown which were emblems of King Olaf of Norway.  The king was later beatified and a church dedicated to him was built in Tooley Street.  This was demolished in the early 20th century and the art deco St Olaf House built on the site.