Municipal Arms Accidentally Granted to Wrong Town, Both Towns Refuse to Give Them Back

An administrative error at the College of Arms has resulted in identical arms being granted to two different market towns in the Cotswolds, creating what one herald described as 'the most awkward situation in English civic heraldry since the Berwick-upon-Tweed incident of 1482.' The arms — Vert, a woolsack Or between three garbs of the same — were intended for Market Steeple, a town with a documented history of wool trading. However, due to what the College has described as 'a filing irregularity,' the same grant was also issued to nearby Market Barrow, a town whose primary historical industry was pottery. 'We have no connection to woolsacks whatsoever,' admitted Market Barrow's mayor, Councillor Patricia Dexter. 'But the grant is legally ours. It has our name on it. We're keeping it.' Market Steeple's town clerk, Geoffrey Sinister, was apoplectic. 'Those are our woolsacks. Our garbs. Our field vert. Market Barrow has never produced a fleece in its entire history. This is heraldic identity theft.' The College of Arms has offered to issue corrected grants, providing Market Barrow with arms 'more reflective of its ceramic heritage.' Market Barrow has declined, with Councillor Dexter noting that 'a woolsack looks considerably more distinguished than a pot.' The dispute has escalated to the point where both towns have erected signs featuring the contested arms at their respective boundaries. Market Steeple has added the caption 'The Original and Authentic Arms.' Market Barrow has countered with 'Legally Granted, Fully Ours.' A mediator appointed by the College has described the situation as 'unprecedented in the modern era' and has suggested that one town adopt a differenced version of the arms — perhaps with a bordure or a label. Both towns have rejected differencing, each insisting the other should be the one to modify. The matter is expected to take 'several years' to resolve.