Seal impression (cast)

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the seal of New Abbey in Kirkcudbrightshire (also known as Sweetheart Abbey). It dates sometime during the use of the abbey, between the late 13th to 16th century.

The seal depicts the Virgin and Child. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals are evidence of the paperwork involved in running a complex organisation. They were signs of the medieval Church's huge authority, combining the functions of signature and logo to show that documents were genuine.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-757-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.1999.1379
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Between the late 13th and 16th century
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 78 mm L x 44 mm W
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, New Abbey
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the seal of New Abbey
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 195, no 207 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 195, no 207. 
• Translations:
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