Seal impression (cast), of Robert I (Robert the Bruce)

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the reverse of the 1st Great Seal of Robert I (Robert the Bruce) dating from around 1306.

The seal depicts the king as a knight on horseback. The design is similar to seals of previous monarchs, but his armour and the horse equipment reflect the contemporary fashion. The shield and coat both have the Royal Arms of Scotland. The impression is badly cracked. 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. Great Seals were used primarily for grants of lands.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-731-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.1999.743
• Date: c. 1306
  Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Around 1306
  
• Material: Sulphur; red; circular. Inscription: ...BERTVS DEO RECTORE REX SCOTTORVM
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 100 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: Robert 1 (Bruce)
  Young Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Red sulphur cast of the reverse of the 1st Great Seal of Robert 1 (Bruce), depicting the king as a knight on horseback, c. 1306
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p.6 no.26 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 6 no. 26. 
• Translations:
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