Seal impression (cast), of Abbot Adam

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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: 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
  Seal / cast
  
• 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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