Seal impression (cast), of Dean Hervy de Crambeth

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the seal of Hervy de Crambeth, Dean of Aberdeen Cathedral, dating from around 1292.

The seal depicts the Virgin and Child on a throne, with a praying figure below. The inscription 'S' HERVEI D'CRABETH DECANI ABERDONEN' identifies the owner. 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: 000-180-001-773-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.1999.917
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1292
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: S' HERVEI D'CRABETH DECANI ABERDONEN
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 56 mm L x 40 mm W
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Hervy de Crambeth
  
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the seal of Hervy de Crambeth, Dean of Aberdeen, c. 1292
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 126, no 33 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 126, no 33. 
• Translations:
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