The City of Birmingham's Coat of Arms was first granted in April 1889, and revised on 10 May 1977, it and represents the city's industrial and cultural history.
Parts of the shield are based on the Arms of the de Bermingham family from circa 1160 to 1345 and Robert de Bermingham, younger son of Peter de Bermingham c.1172 who went to Ireland with Strongbow and was ancestor of the Earls of Louth and barons of Athenry.
The city's moto is 'Forward'
Official coat of arms web page (http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/arms)