[1] The variations depicting the Monarch's recognition of the City's powers of self-government are represented by a Civic Sword and Mace crossed behind the shield.

The Chapeau (reversed from usual heraldic orientation - see Cap of maintenance) symbolises the office of Mayor who has the right to bear the Sword and Mace.

[2] The use of St George's Cross shows the strong English influences and the former importance of the city of York when King Edward III made it the capital during the fighting against Scotland.

[2] It is thought that it was during the reign of Edward III that the coat of arms was first granted,[3] although Francis Drake, in his history of the city, claims that the coat of arms is much older, originally consisting of only the cross of St George to which the five lions were added in the reign of William the Conqueror in recognition of the five magistrates who defended the city against him in 1070.

[4] The crossed sword and mace with the cap of maintenance refer to the creation of the office of Lord Mayor of York in the 14th century by King Richard II.