Seal impression (cast), of David, 3rd Earl of Huntingdon and later King David I

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the seal of David, 3rd Earl of Huntingdon, later King David I. The original seal impression dates from around 1120.

The seal depicts the earl in armour on horseback. He carries a lance with a flag. The worn inscription 'SIGILLVM DAVIT COMITIS ANGLORV REGINE FRIS' translates as 'Seal of Earl David brother of the Queen of the English'. 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: 000-180-001-760-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.1999.796
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1120
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: SIGILLVM DAVIT COMITIS ANGLORV REGINE FRIS
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 72 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: David I
  
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Huntingdon
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the seal of David, 3rd Earl of Huntingdon, later King David III, depicting the Earl in armour on horseback, c. 1120
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 40, no 1 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 40, no 1. 
• Translations:
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