of Glasgow

Seal impression (cast), of Bishop Walter

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.

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Online ID:	000-180-001-767-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: 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
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.
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