of Newbattle Abbey, Midlothian

Seal impression (cast)

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the Privy Seal of Newbattle Abbey in Midlothian, dating from 1371. Privy seals were generally used for grants of minor government posts or for preliminary grants of land which were later granted under the Great Seal.

The worn and cracked seal depicts a hand grasping a crozier, framed within a Gothic niche. This design features on a number of monastic seals. The inscription 'SECRE[TUM MONAST]E[RII] DE NEW BOTHE' identifies the type of seal and the abbey. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Newbattle Abbey was founded by David I with Cistercian monks from Melrose. Patronised by later kings, it became one of the richest abbeys in Scotland. It was destroyed by the English in 1385, rebuilt, then destroyed again around 1545.

Record details

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

Online ID:	000-180-001-811-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.1999.1380
Date:	Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: 1371
Material:	Sulphur; brown. Inscription: SECRE(TUM MONAST)E(RII) DE NEW BOTHE.
Dimensions:	45 mm L x 32 mm W
What:	Seal / cast
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Midlothian, Newbattle
Event:
Description:	Brown sulphur cast of the Seal of Secretum of Newbattle Abbey, 1371
References:	Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 195, no 209 Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 195, no. 209.
Translations:
Related Records: