Seal impression (cast)

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the 2nd seal of the Chapter of St Andrews in Fife, dating from round 1207. The Chapter of St Andrews was composed of Augustinian Canons, and served the Cathedral.

The seal depicts St Rule's Church, which was built in the 12th century, but soon replaced by the cathedral. The inscription 'SIGIL ECLESIE SANCTIA ANDREE APOSTOLIIN SCOCIAT' translates as 'Seal of the church of St Andrew the Apostle in Scotland'. The gold border around the impression 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: 000-180-001-765-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.1999.885
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1207
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: SIGIL ECLESIE SANCTI ANDREE APOSTOLIIN SCOCIA
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 78 mm L x 51 mm W
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Fife, St Andrews
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the 2nd seal of the Chapter of St Andrews, c. 1207
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 96, no 78 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 96, no 78. 
• Translations:
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