Seal impression (cast), of Archdeacon Simon

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the seal of Simon, Archdeacon of Glasgow, dating from around 1175.

The seal depicts the archdeacon reading at a lectern. The legend 'SIGILLVM SIMONIS GLASGVENSIS ARCHIDIACONI' translates as 'Seal of Simon, Archdeacon 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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-799-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.1999.911
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1175
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: SIGILLVM SIMONIS GLASGVENSIS ARCHIDIACONI
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 67 mm L x 46 mm W
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Simon, Archdeacon of Glasgow
  
• Where: Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the seal of Simon, Archdeacon of Glasgow, depicting the Archdeacon reading at a lectern, c. 1175
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 119, no 70 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 119, no. 70. 
• Translations:
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