Seal impression (cast), of Prior John Haldenstone

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the 2nd seal of John Haldenstone, Prior of St Andrews, dating from around 1292.

The seal depicts St Andrew on his cross. According to legend, he was crucified on a saltire (cross of diagonal shape) in Greece. The inscription 'S'IOHIS. PURIS. ECCE SCI ANDREE IN SCOCIA' identifies the owner and his position. 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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-796-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.1999.890
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1292
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: S'IOHIS . PURIS . ECCE SCI ANDREE IN SCOCIA
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 54 mm L x 37 mm W
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: John Haldenstone
  St Andrew
  
• Where: Scotland, Fife, St Andrew
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the 2nd Seal of John Haldenstone, Prior of St Andrews, depicting St Andrew on his cross, c. 1292
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 98, no 87 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 98, no. 87. 
• Translations:
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