Seal impression (cast), of Murdoch, Duke of Albany

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the Great Seal of Murdac, Duke of Albany, dating from around 1420. Great Seals were used primarily for grants of land.

The badly broken seal depicts the Duke of Albany seated on a throne, a design found on royal seals from an early time. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

In 1406 Robert III sent his son James I to France for safety. The ship was taken by pirates and James was taken to England where he was held prisoner for 18 years. After Robert's death in 1406, Scotland was ruled by Robert, Duke of Albany. On his death in 1420, the governorship passed to Albany's son Murdac. His incompetence led to demands for James's return from England.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-789-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1999.756
• Date: c. 1420
  Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1420
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown; circular
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 56 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Murdae, Duke of Albany
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the Great Seal of Murdae, Duke of Albany, depicting the governor seated on a throne, c. 1420
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p.9 no.39 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 9, no. 39. 
• Translations:
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