Record

Seal impression (cast), of Abbot Adam

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of Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh

Postcard of Seal impression (cast), of Abbot Adam.
000-180-001-809-C
© National Museums Scotland

Seal impression (cast), of Abbot Adam

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the seal of Adam, Abbot of Holyrood Abbey (also known as St Cross) in Edinburgh, dating from 1292.

The seal depicts the abbot kneeling before an altar. The inscription 'S' ABBATIS SANCTE CRVCIS DE EDINGBORG' translates as 'Seal of the Abbot of St Cross of Edinburgh'. 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: 000-180-001-809-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.1999.1350
Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: 1292
Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: S' ABBATIS SANCTE CRVCIS DE EDINGBORG
Dimensions: 51 mm L x 35 mm W
What: Seal / cast
Subject:
Who: Adam, Abbot of Holyrood Abbey
Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Holyrood
Event:
Description: Brown sulphur cast of the seal of Adam, Abbot of Holyrood Abbey, depicting the Abbot kneeling before an altar, 1292
References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 183, no 109 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 183, no. 109. 
Translations:
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