Seal impression (cast), of Bishop William Malvoisine

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the Counter Seal of William Malvoisine, Bishop of St Andrews, dating from around 1202.

The seal depicts the bishop facing to the right, holding his crozier. The legend 'SECRETVM SANCTI ANDREE' translates as 'Privy Seal of St Andrews'. 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: 000-180-001-795-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.1999.860
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1202
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: SECRETVM SANCTI ANDREE
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 48 mm L x 31 mm W
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: William Malvoisine
  
• Where: Scotland, Fife, St Andrews
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the Counter Seal of William Malvoisine, Bishop of St Andrews, depicting the Bishop, c. 1202
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 84, no 10 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 84, no. 10. 
• Translations:
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