RecordSeal impression (cast)< 1 of 1 > Back of burgh of St Andrews, Fife
Seal impression (cast)This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the Privy Seal of the burgh of St Andrews in Fife, dating from the 15th century. The seal depicts a boar chained to a tree. According to legend, a Greek monk bearing the remains of St Andrew was shipwrecked in Scotland in a thickly wooded area inhabited by wild boars. The inscription 'SIGILLUM : SECRETU : CIVITATIS : SANCTI : ANDREE : APOSTIT' identifies the type of seal and its association with St Andrews. 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. 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. Record detailsTo search on related items, click any linked text below.
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