Seal impression (cast), of Bishop William Malvoisine

Add to album

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the seal of William Malvoisine, Bishop of St Andrews in Fife. The impression dates from around 1202.

The seal depicts the bishop, who is identified by the incomplete inscription '+ SIGILL : WIL .... OTTOR : EPISCOPIO' as Bishop of the Scots. 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

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-180-001-764-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.1999.859
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1202
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: + SIGILL : WIL .... OTTOR : EPISCOPI
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 73 mm L x 53 mm W
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: William Malvoisine
  
• Where: Scotland, Fife, St Andrews
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the seal of William Malvoisine, Bishop of St Andrews, depicting the Bishop, c. 1202
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 84, no 8 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 84, no 8. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: