Seal matrix, of Hospital of St Anthony, Leith

This is the ecclesiastical seal matrix of the hospital of St Anthony in Leith. Pictured here with its impression, the matrix is made of bronze and dates from the mid 16th century.

The seal matrix features St Anthony holding a book and a staff. A pig with a bell round its neck is at his feet. The Latin inscription translates as 'The seal of the chapter of the hospital of St Anthony near Leith'.

The seals fixed to church documents were usually made of beeswax, softened by heat and attached with a cord or tag to a document. A mould (or matrix) was used to make the impression in soft wax.

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