Seal impression (cast)

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the 1st seal of the Chapter of Glasgow Cathedral, dating from around 1180.

The seal depicts an Agnus Dei, (Lamb of God), with a banner flag and pendants. At the base is a ring with a chain or twisted cord, symbolic of St Kentigern (or Mungo), the patron saint of Glasgow. The inscription 'SIGILL ' : CAPITVLI : ECCLESIE : GLESGVENSIS' identifies the chapter. 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, seals provided evidence that documents were authentic.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-750-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.1999.908
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1180
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: SIGILL ' : CAPITVLI : ECCLESIE : GLESGVENSIS
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the 1st seal of the Chapter of Glasgow, c. 1180
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 117, no 51 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 117, no 51. 
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