What does the badge mean?
The cannon is Arsenal's defining symbol, dating back to the club's origins as Woolwich Arsenal in 1886, founded by workers at the Royal Arsenal munitions factory in southeast London. The weapon was a literal reference to where the players worked. The cannon has appeared on every badge in the club's history, making it one of the most consistent symbols in English football
Badge history
1888 — First recorded crest: a simple cannon on a plain field 1922 — Art Deco-influenced redesign as the club moved to Highbury; cannon faces left 1949 — Cannon repositioned to face right; became the standard orientation 2002 — Major rebrand removes the traditional crest shape; new streamlined cannon-only badge, dropping "The Gunners" text. Controversial with fans 2011 — Shield reintroduced following fan pressure; current version established
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