of Chapter of Glasgow Cathedral

Seal impression (cast)

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the 1st seal of the Chapter of Glasgow Cathedral, dating from around 1180.

The seal depicts an Agnus Dei, (Lamb of God), with a banner flag and pendants. At the base is a ring with a chain or twisted cord, symbolic of St Kentigern (or Mungo), the patron saint of Glasgow. The inscription 'SIGILL ' : CAPITVLI : ECCLESIE : GLESGVENSIS' identifies the chapter. 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, seals provided evidence that documents were authentic.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-001-750-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.1999.908
Date:	Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1180
Material:	Sulphur; brown. Inscription: SIGILL ' : CAPITVLI : ECCLESIE : GLESGVENSIS
Dimensions:
What:	Seal / cast
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow
Event:
Description:	Brown sulphur cast of the 1st seal of the Chapter of Glasgow, c. 1180
References:	Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 117, no 51 Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 117, no 51.
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