Coat of arms of Montserrat

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Coat of Arms of Montserrat

The coat of arms of Montserrat was first adopted in 1909.

The arms consist of a shield featuring a lady in green representing Erin, the female personification of Ireland, based on the mythology of Ériu. The lady is holding a golden harp, a symbol of Ireland that features in Ireland's coat of arms. The cross she embraces with one arm symbolises Christianity.

The arms pay tribute to the Irish ancestry of Montserrat, as much of the population is descended from the Irish settlers exiled to the island by Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century.[citation needed]

The arms feature on the flag of Montserrat, and on the Union Flag used by the Governor of Montserrat. Montserrat is also commonly known as "The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean" because of its physical resemblance to Ireland & because its earliest settlers were Irish prisoners, indentured servants, forced laborers, and loyal opposition soldiery.

See also