Kennett Township Shield & Coat of Arms

As you may know, we are in the process of creating a new Township coat of arms and seal.  Supervisor Gamble presented a proposal at the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting on January 19, 2022. A copy of his background memorandum may be found on our website here: https://www.kennett.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/5146/Agenda-Item-7_a_Kennett-Township-Seal-Proposal-2021-12-11.
 
The Supervisors have agreed that the primary symbol for the township should be the American Sycamore [platanus occidentalis]. This tree is found all over the Township, and there is a large sycamore in front of the Township Building. In colonial times these trees were planted along streams and creeks as a sign of drinkable water. Their descendants are still to be seen today along the Red Clay.  
 
Since the presentation, we have been given, free of charge, advice on heraldic design by the President of the American Heraldry Society and the Windsor Herald at the Royal College of Arms in London. The latter is responsible for American heraldry when requested. We are at the point now where we have come up with four possible designs for the shield to go inside the coat of arms.

“A” contains three sycamore leaves - simple and unique. “B” contains three sycamore leaves interspersed with three wheat sheaves, which were the original coat of arms of Chester County and are still today part of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth coat of arms. They also represent agriculture. “C” is a stylized depiction of a full sycamore tree - vigorous and different.  “D” is a singular sycamore leaf, creating something bold and unmistakable.

All of these shields are shown inside the proposed Seal of the Township. The coat of arms and possibly the crest would go on the Seal which would have the words ‘Kennett Township’ and ‘1704’ and two mushrooms. The crest at the top of the shield depicts the old Kennett Friends Meeting House as it looked in 1777 when it witnessed the start of the Battle of the Brandywine. The two crossed flags are those used at the time of the battle.

We Need Your Help!

We would like your opinion as to which of these four shields you favor most. At this point we are not interested in any new designs, having gone through a great many with the heraldic experts. However coloring is still to be decided - Green and White? Blue and White? Green and Gold? Blue and Gold? Please email kennett.twp@kennett.pa.us between now and Tuesday, March 15^th as this will be discussed at the March 16^th Board of Supervisors Meeting. We will then begin the process to find someone to professionally design the winning combinations.

Remember to let us know:

1. Which shield design you like best from A, B, C, or D.

2. Which two colors you would like to see make up the shield.