Seal impression (cast)

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the 1st seal of the burgh of Rothesay on Bute in Argyllshire, dating from around 1401.

The seal depicts a castle with a ship in front, and a star and crescent moon on either side. The inscription 'X VILLA. DEROTHISSA XLIBERIUSXDATUR' translates as 'The town of Rothesay, its freedom granted'. 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: 000-180-001-742-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.1999.844
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1401
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: X VILLA . DEROTHISSA XLIBERIUSXDATUR
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 60 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Bute, Rothesay
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the 1st seal of the town of Rothesay, depicting a castle, c. 1401
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 78, no 240 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 78, no 240. 
• Translations:
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