Seal impression (cast), of Robert I (Robert the Bruce)

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the reverse of the 1st Great Seal of Robert I (Robert the Bruce) dating from around 1306.

The seal depicts the king as a knight on horseback. The design is similar to seals of previous monarchs, but his armour and the horse equipment reflect the contemporary fashion. The shield and coat both have the Royal Arms of Scotland. The impression is badly cracked. 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 lands.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-001-731-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland K.1999.743
Date:	c. 1306 Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1306
Material:	Sulphur; red; circular. Inscription: ...BERTVS DEO RECTORE REX SCOTTORVM
Dimensions:	100 mm D
What:	Seal / cast
Subject:
Who:	Robert 1 (Bruce) Young Collection
Where:
Event:
Description:	Red sulphur cast of the reverse of the 1st Great Seal of Robert 1 (Bruce), depicting the king as a knight on horseback, c. 1306
References:	Stevenson and Wood, i, p.6 no.26 Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 6 no. 26.
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