of Rothesay, Bute, Argyllshire

Seal impression (cast)

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the obverse of the 1st seal of the burgh of Rothesay on Bute in Argyllshire, dating from around 1401.

The seal depicts a castle with a ship in front, and a star and crescent moon on either side. The inscription 'X VILLA. DEROTHISSA XLIBERIUSXDATUR' translates as 'The town of Rothesay, its freedom granted'. 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:	000-180-001-742-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.1999.844
Date:	Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1401
Material:	Sulphur; brown. Inscription: X VILLA . DEROTHISSA XLIBERIUSXDATUR
Dimensions:	60 mm D
What:	Seal / cast
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Bute, Rothesay
Event:
Description:	Brown sulphur cast of the obverse of the 1st seal of the town of Rothesay, depicting a castle, c. 1401
References:	Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 78, no 240 Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 78, no 240.
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