Seal impression (cast)

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the seal of the burgh of Arbroath in Angus, dating from the 14th century.

The seal depicts the martyrdom of St Thomas à Beckett. The legend 'S.CONVNITATIS.BURGI.DE ABIRBROTHOT' identifies the burgh. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

The burgh of Arbroath had its origins in the founding of a monastery by King William the Lion in honour of his friend St Thomas à Beckett. Beckett, the archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered at his altar in 1170 on the orders of King Henry II of England.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-741-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.1999.810
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal:14th century
  
• Material: Sulphur; red. Inscription: S.CONVNITATIS.BURGI.DE ABIRBROTHOT
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 73 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who: St Thomas a Beckett
  
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Arbroath
  
• Event:
• Description: Red sulphur cast of the seal of the Burgh of Arbroath, depicting the martyrdom of St Thomas a Beckett, 14th century
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 53, no 12 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 53, no 12. 
• Translations:
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