Seal impression (cast), of Bishop Walter

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the Counter Seal of Walter, Bishop of Glasgow, dating from around 1207.

The seal depicts a bishop, portrayed half length and looking towards the right. The inscription '+ SIGIL'. WALTERI : CAPELLANIGLASG' translates as 'Seal of Walter Chaplain of Glasgow'. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals were used extensively from the 12th century in Scotland by kings, clergy, nobles and towns. In a society where few people could read or write, they provided evidence that documents were authentic. Counter seals were the reverse of seals, but often of a different size and matrix from the obverse.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-767-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.1999.897
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1207
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: + SIGIL' . WALTERI : CAPELLANIGLASG
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 55 mm L x 33 mm W
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Walter, Bishop of Glasgow
  
• Where: Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the Counter Seal of Walter, Bishop of Glasgow, c. 1207
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 109, no 6 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 109, no 6. 
• Translations:
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