Add to albumThis is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the Great Seal of Alexander I, dating from around 1107.
The seal depicts the king seated on his throne, holding a sword in one hand and an orb with a cross on top in the other. He wears a tunic with tight sleeves and a mantle fastened at his throat. The incomplete legend '+ ALEXANDER.. ECTORE ....' identifies the king. 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. Great Seals were used primarily for grants of land.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-180-001-780-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.1999.725
- Date: c. 1107
Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1107
- Material: Sulphur; brown; circular. Inscription: + ALEXANDER.. ECTORE ....
Seal / cast
- Dimensions: 72 mm D
- What: Seal / cast
- Subject:
- Who: Alexander I
Young Collection
- Where:
- Event:
- Description: Brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the Great Seal of Alexander I, depicting the king seated on his throne, c. 1107
- References:
- Stevenson and Wood, i, p.2 no.4
- Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 2, no. 4.
- Translations:
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