of Glasgow

Seal impression (cast), of Bishop Florence

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the seal of Florence, Bishop of Glasgow, dating from around 1202.

The seal depicts a figure seated at a desk, presumably Florence, holding a rod or staff. The incomplete inscription '+ SIGILL FLOREN ... SGVENSIS. ELECTI' translates as 'Seal of Florence, [Bishop] elect of Glasgow'. The gold border around the impression is modern cardboard trim.

Bishops, as heads of the dioceses, were administrators as well as a spiritual leaders. Seals were used in their letters and documents, to confirm that they were authentic.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-001-748-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.1999.895
Date:	Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1202
Material:	Sulphur; brown. Inscription: + SIGILL FLOREN ... SGVENSIS . ELECTI
Dimensions:	63 mm L x 42 mm W
What:	Seal / cast
Subject:
Who:	Florence, Bishop of Glasgow
Where:	Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow
Event:
Description:	Brown sulphur cast of the seal of Florence, Bishop of Glasgow, depicting a seated figure at a desk, c. 1202
References:	Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 109, no 3 Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p109, no 3.
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