Main content
Bruce C. Willsie Collection of British Sigillography
Notifications
Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
A member of the Princeton Class of 1986, Bruce C. Willsie is president of Labels & Lists of Bellevue, Washington. Willsie's other collecting interests include Ethiopic manuscripts and magic scrolls, historic maps, and nineteenth-century English manuscripts.
The two principal series in the Willsie Collection are seal matrices and royal charters with seals. The seal matrices are made of bronze, copper alloys (especially latten), and lead, and date from Romano-British of the 2nd-3rd centuries CE until the end of the 15th century. There are also a few papal bullae and some examples from the 16th-18th centuries. Matrices can be round, oval, vesica-shaped, or lozenge-shaped, usually with raised handles ending in a suspension loop. A linen cord, leather thong, or metal chain would have been inserted through the loop in order for the matrix to be worn around the owner's neck. Most of the later medieval seal matrices have simple images, such as a cross, star, flower, or animal. Personal seals bear the names of owners or heraldic arms, flowers and animals, and religious images well known in Christian iconography (e.g. Agnus Dei, Cross, Pelican in Her Piety, Virgin Mary and the Christ Child). Among those 14th-century seal matrices with Latin, Anglo-Norman, and Middle English mottos are the following: box 4, no. 4, "Vei ci parti" ["Behold my lawful action"]; box 4, no. 11, "Pense de bien fere" ["Think of good deeds"]; box 4, no. 14, "S[igillum] Secreti Amoris" ["Seal of secret love"]; box 4, no. 20, squirrel with motto "I cracke notis" ["I crack nuts"]; box 4, no. 22, "Lel ami avet" ["You've got a friend"]; box 4, no. 26, "Lege tege" ["Read, keep secret"]; box 4, no. 27, "Le lion ici dort" ["The lion sleeps here"]; box 4, no. 28, "Love me and ei ye" ["Love me, and I thee"]; box 5, no. 35, "Hel lovely ladi"(?) ["Hail Lovely Lady"(?), i.e. the Virgin Mary]." Concerning "I cracke notis" and other Middle English seals and charters in the Manuscripts Division, see Don C. Skemer, "Cover Note," in Princeton University Library Chronicle (Spring 2014).
English royal charters are the largest series, with examples from King John to Elizabeth II. Most of the charters dating from the reigns of King John to King Henry VIII have been are mounted for preservation and display purposes. Other charters are not mounted unless so indicated. Most of the charters have two-sided pendant seals, generally attached to the document by means of a parchment tag or braided silk cords. Most depict the king seated on the throne (obverse) and most often the king as mounted knight (counter-seal). These are supplemented by royal seals no longer attached to documents.
Arranged into the following series: Series 1: Seal Matrices. Series 2: Charters with Seals; principally royal charters with the Great Seal of the Realm. Series 3: Wax Seals (without documents). Series 4: Wax Seal Impressions (without documents), 1860s.
Gift of Bruce C. Willsie in 2003-2012 (AM2004-16, 2004-35, 2004-99, 2004-101, 2008-16, 2008-42, 2008-66, 2008-85, 2009-61, 2010-92, 2012-106, 2017-73).
For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.
This collection was processed by John Delaney with additional processing done by Don Skemer, and later processing done by Chloe Pfendler. Finding aid written by John Delaney. Finding aid updated by Chloe Pfendler and Julia English in 2018.
No materials were separated during processing.
People
- Charles, King of England, I (1600-1649)
- Elizabeth, Queen of England, I (1533-1603)
- Henry, King of England, VIII (1491-1547)
- Mary, Queen of England, I (1516-1558)
- Willsie, Bruce C. (1957)
Subject
- History, Ancient. -- Sources
- European History. -- Sources
- Great Britain -- History -- Medieval period, 1066-1485
- Great Britain -- History -- Anglo-Saxon period, 449-1066
- Great Britain -- History -- Tudors, 1485-1603
- Sigillography -- Europe. -- Sources
- Seals (Numismatics) -- Ancient. -- Sources
- Seals (Numismatics) -- England. -- Sources
- Seals (Numismatics) -- Roman -- Sources.
- Publisher
- Manuscripts Division
- Finding Aid Author
- Chloe Pfendler
- Finding Aid Date
- 2018
- Access Restrictions
-
The collection is open for research.
- Use Restrictions
-
Single copies may be made for research purposes. To cite or publish quotations that fall within Fair Use, as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission is required. For instances beyond Fair Use, it is the responsibility of the researcher to determine whether any permissions related to copyright, privacy, publicity, or any other rights are necessary for their intended use of the Library's materials, and to obtain all required permissions from any existing rights holders, if they have not already done so. Princeton University Library's Special Collections does not charge any permission or use fees for the publication of images of materials from our collections, nor does it require researchers to obtain its permission for said use. The department does request that its collections be properly cited and images credited. More detailed information can be found on the Copyright, Credit and Citations Guidelines page on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the Ask Us! form.
Collection Inventory
7 boxes
Lozenge-shaped bronze seal box with remains of enameling and image of cross; approximately 3.2 x 1.9 cm.
Physical Description1 item
The top lid is round and displays a central disk containing a red enameled lozenge shape. Surrounding the central figure are seven small circles each filled with red enamel. In the spaces between the decorative figures there are remains of blue and red enameling.
Physical Description1 item
Roman bronze seal ring; green patina, image of man.
Physical Description1 item
Circular and approximately 1.9 cm in diameter; green patina with image of a panther facing backward.
Physical Description1 item
Petal-shaped box, with traces of red and green enamel on top, in a geometric design; approximately 3.2 cm in length (including hinge); .64 cm thick. Found near York.
Physical Description1 item
Ring opening 1.5 cm; intaglio stone .64 x .89 cm, with blue-colored intaglio carved stone for sealing, with an image of a boy or man standing and brandishing a sword.
Physical Description1 item
Lead, 1.9 cm from top to bottom; 1.6 cm across the top. Shows a half shield or a harp.
Physical Description1 item
Lead, 1.9 cm from top to bottom; 1.6 cm across the top. Shows a half shield or a harp.
Physical Description1 item
Motto reads "S[igillum] AN[..]N(?) ET ROLHO(?)". Lead seal matrix, showing a flower with five petals; tab on back; 2.9 cm in diameter; lead has a white patina. Found in the Norfolk area.
Physical Description1 item
Has an undeciphered motto and displaying a simple cross pattern with a single dot in each quadrant. Tab on top edge with flat back; 2.9 cm in diameter. Found in the Norfolk area.
Physical Description1 item
Vesica-shaped withwith undeciphered motto and central fleur-de-lis. Remains of a broken tab and ridge on back; 3. cm high and 2.4 cm wide. Found in the Norfolk area.
Physical Description1 item
Motto read "S[igillum] RICH[ardi] IOH[anni]". Round lead seal matrix showing a flower with five petals; tab on back; 2.6 cm in diameter. Found in the Norfolk area.
Physical Description1 item
Motto reads "ROGERI F[ilii]"?). Round lead seal matrix, remains of a tab that has been bent over; 3.5 cm in diameter. Found in the Norfolk area.
Physical Description1 item
Motto reads "CHALMER." Round lead seal matrix, with central imageof a flower with eight petals; back has triangular shaped tab and arrow design pointing downward; 3.0 cm wide. Found in the Norfolk area.
Physical Description1 item
Vesica-shaped lead seal matrix with undeciphered motto. Shows a merchant's mark or a modified Christian chi-rho or fleur-de-lis; top of seal curves up and back to form tab; back is smooth; 5. cm high from tab to tip and 2.1 cm wide. Found in the Norfolk area.
Physical Description1 item
Motto reads "SIGILLUM ROGERI FILII HUGONIS." Physical description: Lead 12th-century seal matrix showing a fleur-de-lis that incorporates a cross; plain back; 3.8 cm in diameter. Found in the Norfolk area.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "NICHOLAI PIE." Lead seal matrix showing a star-and-dot pattern; back has beaked tab; 3.0 cm in diameter. Found in the Norfolk area.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] GUILLEM[i] D[e] TARIM"(?). Lead seal, roughly circular and larger than most of this date with a central fleur-de-lis and surrounding the motto. 3.7 cm in diameter. Researched and authenticated by John Cherry, British Museum.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SIGILLUM [...] DORRET." Lead seal matrix with image of winged beast. 3.1 cm in diameter.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SIGIL[lum] HUGONIS FILII ROGERI." Lead seal matrix showing a stylized lion in the center. 3.7 cm. in diameter. Found in Suffolk.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SIGILLUM WILHELMI FILII ROGERI." Round lead seal matrix with central image of a thistle or flowering plant. 3.5 cm in diameter. Found in Essex.
Physical Description1 item
Lead seal matrix with undeciphered motto and central flower with four petals. 3.0 cm in diameter. Non-heraldic personal seal.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SI[gillum] THOME [...]." Round lead seal matrix with central fleur-de-lis. 2.4 cm in diameter. Found in Norfolk.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] ROBERTI [...]." Lead seal matrix with unidentified geometric design. 2.6 cm in diameter.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Mottos: (a) "SIGILL[um] RICARDI F[ilii] ALDIVE"; (b) "SIGILL[um] IOH[ann]IS FIL[ii] ALDIVE." Two lead seal matrices, with fleur-de-lis images, for members of same family. 3.4 cm in diameter. Found in the same field in 1998 near Cobham, Kent.
Physical Description1 item
: Seal Motto: "ROBERTI DE PIOUMBE." Lead seal matrix; 3.7 cm in diameter with long handle on back that has been bent over; central fleur-de-lis with a cross below. Found just north of Chichester, West Sussex, at the site of a medieval village, not far from the present-day Goodwood Racecourse.
Physical Description1 item
Lead seal matrix with undecipherable motto and central star. 2.5 cm in diameter; central radiating petal type design; remains on reverse of ridge for string hole.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] ELIE SEIVRIT"(?). Woman's personal lead seal matrix with central image of a star or a flower with eight petals. 3.1 cm in diameter; reverse has a raised seal grip with three horizontal lines emanating from it and running across the diameter of the seal. Found in Kent.
Physical Description1 item
Vesica-shaped lead seal matrix with undeciphered motto and central fleur-de-lis. 4.2 cm in height, 2.7 cm in diameter.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SIGILLUM [...] HISLOP." Lead seal matrix; 3.4 cm in diameter. Contains an image of two doves facing each other. Appears to have the family name "Hislop."
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] ROGERI FILII NICOLAI." Papal lead Bulla with one side, transformed Into a personal seal with this motto on the other. 3.6 cm in diameter; one side displays the faces of St. Peter and St. Paul; the other side a personal seal with the motto about Roger, son of Nicholas; remains of tag.
Physical Description1 item
Lead papal bulla showing faces of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, with motto "S[anctus] PA[ulu]S S[anctus] P[etru]S" on one side and the name of Pope Innocent IV (r. 1243-1254) on the other side, "INNOCENTIUS P[a]P[a] IIII"; 37 mm in diameter.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SIGIL[lum] ROGERI." Round lead seal matrix with central device in the form of a cross with capped ends; 3.1 cm in diameter.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SIGIL[lum] ALDEITH." Round lead seal with central device consisting of simple 8-pointed star; 3.0 cm in diameter.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze seal matrix with undeciphered motto and image possibly of two clasping hands, with a small bird above. Suspension loop; 1.8 cm high; 1.8 cm across the face.
Physical Description1 item
Vesica-shaped seal matrix with undeciphered motto and image possibly showing a jester's head. 3.0 cm high; 2.1 cm wide. Flower with 3 petals and tab on back. Found in the Midlands.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze seal matrix with undeciphered motto and image of a bird. Suspension loop; 1.3 cm high and 1.2 cm across face. Found in Essex.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "VEI CI PARTI" ["Behold my lawful action"] with central image of a jester's face. Bronze seal matrix with suspension loop; 1.8 cm high and 1.7 cm across the face. This same Anglo-Norman motto is found on a seal recorded in the Public Record Office of the Duchy of Lancaster Ancient Deeds (DL 25/2238). The motto sometimes takes the form of "Vei ci parti lel." Found in Norfolk.
Physical Description1 item
"S[igillum] FRATIS ALARDI EREMITE," with image of of suplicant kneeling below a central seated saint flanked by two smaller kneeling figures. Flat bronze vesica-shaped seal with suspension loop at top; 4.8 cm from top of loop to botton of seal face; 2.5 cm wide. Seems to correspond to a seal matrix discovered in 2000.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "VAV" with central device a flying bird with the letters. Bronze shield-shaped armorial crest-shaped seal with suspension loop; 1.9 cm high and 1.4 cm across the face. Found in October 2002 near Winchester, Hampshire. A wax seal with the motto "VAV A VAV" and a bird is described in Edward Turner, "Sele Priory, and Some Notice of the Carmelite Friars at New Shoreham, and the Secular Canons of Steyning,," Sussex Archaeological Collections Relating to the History and Antiquities of the County (1858), p. 111.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "EST AMOR MEUS." Bronze matrix with single suspension loop; 2.5 cm high and 1.9 cm across the face. Found near Hoddeston, Hertsford¬shire. Similar to a group of seals published in A.B. Tonnochy, ed., Catalogue of British Seal-dies in the British Museum (London: British Museum, Department of British and Mediaeval Antiquities, 1952), nos. 898 and 899.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze seal matrix with undeciphered motto and device of a hare riding on a dog's back. Suspension loop; 2.9 cm high and 2.1 cm across face. A hare riding on the back of a dog was a popular image. Found in Suffolk.
Physical Description1 item
Vesica-shaped copper alloy vesica-shaped seal with undeciphered motto. Suspension loop on back; 2.9 cm high and 2.7 cm wide. The seal that may be of a guild; appears to show crossed salted fish with a sun on one side and a moon on the other. Found in 2002 near Castle Etal, Northumberland.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] [...] CAMERE ET COLUTA(?)," with image of a seated figure holding a processional cross. Bronze seal matrix with suspension loop; face is oval; 2.5 cm high with face that is 2.4 cm from top to bottom and 1.8 cm across.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "PENSE DE BIEN FERE" (i.e. "Think of good deeds") with image of a walking dragon (or griffin?). Flat round bronze seal with suspension seal on back; 20 mm across face. Found near Cambridge University.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SIG[illum] RI[c]H[ardi] S[...]"(?), with image of a Pelican in its Piety. Bronze seal matrix with suspension loop, 2.4 cm high.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "LUMEN DEI ET GR[atia] DEI"(?) with image of enthroned Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, and a kneeling suplicant. Flat copper alloy disk seal with suspension loop on back; 2,0 cm in diameter.
Physical Description1 item
Seal motto: "S[igillum] SECRETI AMORIS." Bronze vesica-shaped seal with suspension loop on back; 3.2 cm high and 2.1 cm wide. Bronze vesica-shaped seal, hawk on a gloved hand. Found near Hingham Church, Norfolk.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze seal matrix with undisciphered motto, depicting a hare riding on a lion and holding a hunting horn to its mouth. Fluted neck and trefoil suspension loop; 2.7 cm high and 1.8 cm across the face.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze heraldic desk seal with depiction of a crest (surrounded by a stalk of wheat) with three fleur-de-lis. 5.5 cm high and 2.3 cm across the face. Found in the Midlands.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] ROB[er]TI DE DORNEY ECAPU." Vesica-shaped seal of bronze with suspension loop on back; 3.9 cm high and 2.4 cm wide. Ecclesiastical seal, with image of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child. Found near Hounslow, Middlesex.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze seal matrix with undisciphered motto ("Sigillum ...") and depiction of the head of a stag. 2.4 cm in height and 2.0 cm across the face. Researched and authenticated by John Cherry, British Museum.
Physical Description1 item
Circular bronze seal matrix with undisciphered motto and image of a tonsured or crowned head. Suspension loop on back; 2.2 cm across.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "I crake notis." Physical description: Height 2.6 cm and 2.0 cm across the face. Bronze seal with a central circle showing a squirrel, with a motto meaning "I crake notis" ("I crack nuts"). Found near Thelmington, Norfolk, and recorded at the Norfolk Museum. Concerning this seal matrix, see Don C. Skemer, "Cover Note," in Princeton University Library Chronicle (Spring 2014).
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum]THOME FILII RADULPHI." Flat vesica-shaped bronze seal matrix 3.1 cm high and 2.0 cm wide with suspension loop on back. The central design shows the Agnus Dei. Recorded at the Norfolk Museum. Found near Thelmington, Norfolk.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "LEL AMI AVET" ["You have a loyal friend"]. Bronze seal matrix with image of four petals (a four-leaf clover?). Suspension loop; 2.7 cm high and 2.0 cm across the face. Researched and authenticated by John Cherry, British Museum.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "AGNUS DEI." Bronze seal matrix 2.3 cm high and 1.9 cm across the face. Researched and authenticated by John Cherry, British Museum.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze seal matrix with undisciphered motto and central hears with tendrils emanating. Suspension loop; 28 mm high and 17 mm across the face. Researched and authenticated by John Cherry, British Museum.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "IESUS [...]." Bronze seal matrix with suspension loop; 2.3 cm high and 1.7 cm across the face. Undeciphered initials of the owner in the center surrounded by a religious motif. Researched and authenticated by John Cherry, British Museum.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "LEGE TEGE" ["Read and keep secret"]. Bronze seal matrix with slightly bent suspension loop; 2.3 cm high and 1.9 cm across the face. The design shows a man's head in the center (John the Baptist?). Researched and authenticated by John Cherry, British Museum.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "LE LION ICI DORT" ["The lion sleeps here"]. Bronze seal matrix with suspension loop and showing a lion curled up and surrounded by a branch; 1.9 cm high and 1.8 cm across the face. Researched and authenticated by John Cherry, British Museum.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "LOVE ME AND EI YE." Bronze seal matrix with suspension loop; 1.7 cm high and 1.7 cm across the face. Small bronze seal showing the heads of a man and woman facing each other with a bird above (a dove?).
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SOHOU HVDAVD"(?). Bronze seal matrix with suspension loop; 1.8 cm high and 1.6 cm across the face. An image of a hare surrounded by a hunting call. Central device, a hare. The word "sohou" in the motto is a hunting cry meaning "I ride." Discovered in 2002 in a field about five miles north of Chichester, West Sussex.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "Sohou [...]." Bronze seal matrix with image of a winged lion, representing St. Mark. Suspension loop; 1.8 cm high and 1.9 cm across the face; "A100" in white paint on side. The word "sohou" in the motto is a hunting cry meaning "I ride." Found in Cambridge.
Physical Description1 item
Triangular bronze seal matrix with undesciphered motto and central image of a castle (corporation?). Three lobes off sides, one of which is missing; 3.1 cm high and 2.5 cm across top of triangle. Found in 2002 in a field near Chichester, West Sussex.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze seal matrix with the initials "S.I." and image of the Sacred Heart. 3.4 cm high, the face being 1.5 cm by 1.3 cm. Possibly used as a desk seal.
Physical Description1 item
Seal motto: "S[igill]UM PELICA[n]I [...]DUS"(?). Oval-shaped bronze seal matrix with Christian iconography of the Pelican in her Piety, and suspension loop 1.9 cm high, the oval face being 2.2 cm by 1.7 cm.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze or copper alloy with image of vase and sprig. Suspension loop; 2.7 cm in height and 1.7 cm across the face.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "HEL LOVLE LADI"(?) ["Hail lovely Lady(?)"], with central image of a striding bird (dove?). Bronze seal matrix and a suspension loop; 2.2 cm high and 1.6 cm across the face.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SOHOU [...]." Flat bronze disk seal with broken suspension loop on the back; 1.6 cm across the face. Small bronze disk shaped seal with image of a hare. "Sohou," is a hunting cry meaning "I ride."
Physical Description1 item
Vesica-shaped bronze seal matrix with undeciphered motto (owner's name?), with image of two birds in a tree. Suspension loop on back; 3.1 cm in height and 1.8 cm across.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] WILELMI [...]." Vesica-shaped bronze seal matrix with image of a Cross. Suspension loop on back; 3.3 cm in height and 2.2 cm across.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "T P" flanking armorial crest. Seal matrix of uncertain date. Found in Hertfordshire, spring 2003.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "ROBERTI DU VAE." Image of fleur-de-lis. Found in East Anglia during the spring of 2003.
Physical Description1 item
Vesica-shaped personal seal matrix with undiciphered motto and image of a woman's face. 3.5 cm high and 2.2 cm across. Found in Ipswich, England.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "SIGILLUM [...] BOUNERE"(?) with central cross surrounded by petals. Round bronze seal with suspension loop, 2.3 cm high and 1.7 cm across the face. Found in Ipswich.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze seal matrix with an undiciphered motto and depicting the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Found in Kent.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "B" initial flanked by branches. Diameter of face 1.5 cm, height 2.5 cm. Bronze seal matrix has conical handle ending in a suspension loop. Found near Chichester, West Sussex.
Physical Description1 item
Vesica-shaped copper-alloy seal matrix with undiciphered motto and Christian image of the Pelican In Her Piety. Suspension loop at the top; 3.7 cm tall; 2.0 cm wide with ridge down back.
Physical Description1 item
Vesica-shaped bronze seal matrix with undiciphered motto and a central baptismal scene. 3.7 cm from top to bottom and 2.2 cm from side to side; a ridge and suspension loop on the back.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] THOME TROTA." Large bronze pedestal seal matrix with a central crowned owl; 2.6 cm across the face and 3.0 cm high. Found in the 1990s near Romney Marsh, Kent.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] ROBERTI." Early round bronze seal in the style of earlier lead seals.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] IOH[ann]IS D[e] FLETE." Armorial seal with the crest bearing on a bend three lions passant, with a hexagonally faceted conical handle with triple-collared pierced trefoil terminal; circular face 2.2 cm. Found in Norfolk.
Physical Description1 item
Armorial pedestal seal with undiciphered motto and arms with fleur-de-lis. Diameter: 1.8 cm. Found near Canterbury.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "S[igillum] HUBERTI DE RUREMODE." Found in Norfolk.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "T M," letters separated by a sprig. Bronze seal matrix with trefoil handle. Found in Norfolk.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "L I," letters separated by a sprig. Bronze seal matrix of tri-lobed type. Bronze; 2.50 cm by 1.25 cm wide.
Physical Description1 item
Seal Motto: "E F," letters separated by a sprig. Bronze personal seal matrix with a tri-lobe handle; sprig in the center separating the initials "E F". Found in the Midlands.
Physical Description1 item
Silver seal matrix, displaying a shield (probably the Hewitt family) that contains three birds between a chevron. 2.8 cm in height. Researched and authenticated by John Cherry, British Museum.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze and intaglio glass seal matrix with bust of English nobleman. 2.5 cm in height; base measures 2.2 x 2 x 1.7 cm.
Physical Description1 item
Seal matrix with decorative open-scroll style handle and image of three-masted sailing ship. Found in Shropshire.
Physical Description1 item
Armorial seal matrix. 2.54 cm.
Physical Description1 item
Steel armorial seal matrix with the Manders family crest. 1.5 inches square. The matrix is contained in a red cardboard box from the manufacturer, "F.G. Thomas, Ltd. Heraldic Stationers, Liverpool & Sheffield." Two handwritten notes inside explain the family associations.
Physical Description1 item
Silver seal matrix in ring form, with an oval bezel decorated and a crowned W shape, with a star below of a merchant. 2.50 cm in diameter.
Physical Description1 item
Glass intaglio seal matrix displaying a man's head.
Physical Description1 item
Bronze pedestal seal in a 16th-century style with a central device of the head of a stag. 1.4 cm across the face and 2.9 cm tall.
Physical Description1 item
72 boxes
Charter granting a carucate of land in Peneberi, to Elias, son of Robert, of the Pendlebury family. The land is now in Pendlebury, within the city of Salford, Greater Manchester, formerly Lancashire. Witnesses include Archbishop Geoffrey of York, the bishops of Salisbury and St. Andrews, Earl Robert of Leicester, and others. Confirms the grant made by John as the earl of Mortain. Given under the hands of Archdeacon Simon of Wells and John de Gray at Le Mans, October 9, 1199. Parchment, 12.0 x 18.0 cm. Great Seal of the Realm (pendant, on cord), with losses. The charter was formerly the property of Mrs. P. Kirwan. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Charter of a landowner in Cornwall concerning a charitable donation to the Augustinian Abbey of Haughmond ("Sanctus Johannes Evangelista de Haghem"), near Shrewsbury, Shropshire, with the names of 11 witnesses and the pendant seal of William de Boterell ("Sigillum Willelmi de Boterell"). Undated. Script probably dates from the beginning of the 13th century. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Charter granting a market to Prior Henry and the canons of the Augustinian Priory (formerly abbey) of St. Mary Magdalen, Cumbwell (or Combwell), County of Kent. Given at Westminster, February 27, 1233 (17 Henry III). Parchment, 19.0 x 19.0 cm. Great Seal of the Realm (pendant seal on cord), with losses. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Charter granting to Sir John de Vaux (d. 1287) lands confiscated from the Rebel Barons led by Simon de Montfort (d. 1265), sixth earl of Leicester. The lands included the manor of Benefield, Northamptonshire; and the manors of Holt and Cley, Norfolk. Among the witnesses was Walter Giffard, then archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor. Parchment, 22.0 x 34.0 cm. Given at Canterbury, October 25, 1265. Great Seal of the Realm (pendant seal on cord). The seal has a protective red silk cover, added centuries later. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Charter granting permission to Joanna de Buttecourt to alienate the manor of Werveleye, County of Worcester, to the Praemonstratensian Abbey of Halesowen, May 2, 1283. The abbey was located in Halesowen, West Midlands, southwest of the city of Birmingham. Parchment, 20.5 x 29.0 cm. Great Seal of the Realm (pendant, on cord). Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
King Edward I (r. 1272-1307). License for the alienation in mortmain by William de Ocstede for Tandridge Priory, Surrey; dated at Westminster, 7 June 1285. With the Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Grant of pasture land to his son in Hokelowe (now Hockley, village between Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea), Essex. Given after the Feast of St. Gregory (March12), 1303. Parchment, 11.0 x 18.0 cm. Personal seal in green wax (pendant, on parchment tag). A bit of vine is wrapped around the seal tag, perhaps attached for symbolic investiture purposes to represent the pasture land. Dates from the reign of Edward I. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Inspeximus of letters patent to Adam de Blencowe, of Blencowe, Cumberland, concerning properties in Blencowe and New Bridge. Given at Westminster, January 22, 1347 (21 Edward III). Parchment, 18.0 x 33.0 cm. Great Seal of the Realm (pendant, green wax, with losses). Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
King Edward III (r. 1327-1377). Letters Patent to the vicars of the church of St. Chad, Lichfield; dated at Westminster, 12 January 1373. With the Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Pardon for trespass issued to William Vikers of Carswall, Staffordshire. Given at Westminster, February 18, 1398 (21 Richard II). Parchment, 15.0 x 33.0 cm. Great Seal of the Realm (pendant, on parchment tag, with losses). Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Deed of manumission for the abbey's villein, John de Newdyke of Brough, and his heirs, for a tenement that he and his ancestors have held from the abbey in Brough, with a rent of 13s, 4d, December 28, 1409. Vesical-shaped seal in red wax. Dates from reign of Henry IV. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Charter confirming a grant of lands to William, the son of William de Bekeswell, June 26, 1426. The lands are in Bekeswell, Crumplesham, Fincham, Fordham, and other places in the County of Norfolk. Parchment, 32.0 x 39.0 cm. Great Seal of the Realm (pendant, on cord). Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Agreement in Middle English with twelve other people pertaining to the boundaries of Hasslop Lordship, County of Derby, August 6, 1431. Parchment, 17.0 x 29.7 cm. Twelve private seals (pendant, on parchment tags). Dates from the reign of Henry VI, Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Letter patent in the name of Edward IV, confirming the decision of the Warwick Assizes of March 20, 1446, with the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas, November 9, 1465. Great Seal of Edward IV (pendant seal, on cord), the fourth seal, used 1471-1480. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Letter patent of Henry VI granting to John Bothe, clerk and son of Sir Roger Bothe, the Treasureship of Lichfield Cathedral and the canonry and prebend of Sallowe, after the resignation of Mag. Vincent Clement.
Physical Description1 box
Letter patent to John Bothe (d. 1496), son of Sir Roger Bothe, granting him the treasurership of Lichfield Cathedral, in Lichfield, Staffordshire; and the canonry and prebend of Sallowe in the cathedral, after the resignation of Magister Vincent Clement. Bothe studied canon law at the University of Cambridge, graduating in 1465/66. Given at Coventry, July 24, 1459. Parchment (seal on plica, losses), 12.0 x 31.7 cm. Formerly in the collection of Sir Thomas Phillipps (1792-1872); Phillipps no. 30572. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Document on vellum, chancery document settling a suit about the manor of Northstead, Westminster, 1 February 1487 /8. In Latin. 25 lines in a chancery hand on one membrane, 266 x 435mm (minor discolouration and marginal creasing), Great Seal of Henry VII in brown wax pendant on vellum tag. A document with the Great Seal of Henry VII. Letters patent settling a suit of Sir Ralph Hastings, Roger Lach bury, John Doneton, Thomas Gradman and Nicholas Radyssh against John Onedale for the manor of Northstead comprising 250 acres of land, 200 acres of pasture, 100 acres of woods and 50 shillings of rents in Chelsfeld, Farnham and 'Dodeham' Sir Ralph Hastings (d.1495) had been a prominent Yorkist supporter during the Wars of the Roses, though his enthusiasm may have waned after his brother William, Baron Hastings was beheaded by Richard III.
Physical Description1 box
Robert Constable, of Halsham (ca. 1423-1488), Sheriff of Lincoln and knight, document dated June 9, 1467 (6 Edward IV), with two wax seals.
Physical Description1 box
Indenture for Robert Newport, John Newport, Richard Sybier, and others. Given at Westminster, July 4, 1517. Great Seal of the Realm on parchment tag. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Exemplification with Great Seal of the Court of Common Pleas, 1536. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Letters patent attesting to a crown grant of properties to Sir Thomas Paston, with Great Seal (pendant seal, on cord, reattached), January 3, 1545. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
A license of alienation for the Manor of Skreens near Roxwell, Essex, in favor of Sir Richard Weston. Endorsed with wax impression of the Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Charter granted to landowner George Tyrrell, son and heir of John Tyrrell. Dated February 18, 1557. Great Seal on parchment tag. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Charter for Spalding and Pinchbeck (seal missing), October 20, 1559. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Exemplification of a fine for Simon Askerke of Lincolnshire, November 28, 1560. Great Seal of the Realm. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Secret Seal, Grant of Lands to John Napier, April 1, 1567. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Fifteen indentures and other documents (with wax pendant seals), dating from the reign of Elizabeth I (r. 1558-1603). Nicholas Bacon's charter in Box 23 was originally part of this group of documents.
Physical Description1 box
Indenture (November 3, 1561) with Thomas Andronet and John Cheyne (ca. 1514-1585), of Chesham Boyse, and Drayton, Bucinghamshire. Signed by Bacon and Andronet, each with their personal seals on parchment tags. Acquired with George Tyrell (ca. 1530-1571), of Thornton, Buckinghamshire, owner of the Manor of Bruym, Fifteen indentures and other documents (with wax pendant seals), dating from the reign of Elizabeth I (r. 1558-1603) (Box 88).
Physical Description1 box
Close letter to John Fosbroke, John Wellesborne, and Thomas Monson(?) de Fynden, November 27, 1582. Seal missing. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Indenture between the Queen and Margaret Bailey, of Honley, Yorkshire, concerning the wardship of Mary Bayly. Issued in the 36 year of her reign (1593-1594). Signed by William Cecil, Lord Burghley (1520-1598), Lord Privy Seal. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Deed.
Physical Description1 box
Inspeximus related to land in Stanby and Gunby, Lincolnshire; signed by Sir Matthew Carew (1531-1618). with the Great Seal, 1607.
Physical Description1 box
Licence of alienation from John Estose to Thomas Anderson, with Great Seal. Dated October 20,1622.
Physical Description1 box
Charter issued in 1 Charles I (1625/26), with 2nd Great Seal of James I.
Physical Description1 box
Letters patent making a grant upon the Mountford Estate, with Great Seal. Dated June 6, 1630.
Physical Description1 box
Multi-partite deed for land in Hepworth, Suffolk. Dated May 30, 1632. Thirteen small wax seals (all but three being complete) on parchment tags.
Physical Description1 box
Pardon of alienation for Sir Paul Baynynge, 1634, with 2nd Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Decorated with pieces of parchment with hand-colored Commonwealth arms (Cross of St. George and an Irish harp, as well as an English rose and a Scottish thistle). Parchment tag without seal. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Exemplification of a Recovery in the Court of Common Pleas. Dated July 20, 1654. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Lord Protector, Letter patent, with the Great Seal. Dated December 10, 1657. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
[Oliver Cromwell and Charles II]. Collection of 17th-century British documents (approx. 20) pertaining to the families of Sir Patrick Hepburne of Wauchton, Jame Gray of Balgownie, Thomas Menzies, and Alexander Skene. Includes documents with the Great, including Oliver Cromwell, Charter (1657); and Charles II, Charter confirmed on March 9, 1681. Additional parchment documents (6) without seals (Queen Anne to George III).
Physical Description3 boxes
Letter patent, with the Great Seal. Dated June 6, 1658.
Physical Description1 box
Exemplification of a Recovery in the Court of Common Pleas, 1658. Mounted.
Physical Description1 box
Exemplification, July 26, 1661, with the 2nd Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Exemplification of recovery pertaining to the petitions of Isaac Hart against Henry Lewen for property in Holmehurst and Christchurch, Twyneham, Southampton. Dated May 20, 1667.
Physical Description1 box
Pardon granted to a Gentleman. Dated December 12, 1672.
Physical Description1 box
Letter patent to all the Officers of the Law, relating to the custodianship by the Chancellor of the Great Seal, February 1676.
Physical Description1 box
Exemplification of Recovery, with Seal of the Court of Common Pleas, 2 James II (1687).
Physical Description1 box
The document (seal missing) has engraved portraits of William and Mary.
Physical Description1 box
1 box
Recovery for property in Kirkham in Leeds (1724), with the Great Seal of the Court of Common Pleas and skippet.
Physical Description1 box
Letters patent commissioning George Purviss as comptroller of the Navy, February 27, 1735, with Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Exemplification of a Recovery in the Court of Pleas of Durham, August 15, 1753, with seal.
Physical Description1 box
Document relating to the installation of John Dudley as vicar of Humberston, Leistershire, June 16, 1794, with the archbishop's paper-covered seal.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal, Court of the Common Pleas.
Physical Description1 box
Irish lease, with the Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Exemplification of recovery for lands in Wiltshire, with Great Seal and skippet,.
Physical Description1 box
Embossed seal removed from a pardon.
Physical Description1 box
Pardon.
Physical Description1 box
Charter with great seal
Physical Description1 box
Borough of King's Lynn, County of Norfolk, Burgess letter from the to James Fysh, with the borough's seal. Reign of George III.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal of the Royal Company of Archers attached to a certificate of entry. Dated March 1, 1789 in Edinburgh, this is a certificate of entry into the Royal Company of Archers for a Mr. James Foley Esq, [?] of the signet.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal for Scotland.
Physical Description1 box
Recovery of lands in Kent.
Physical Description1 box
Charter, with great seal in skippet
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal, Court of the Common Pleas.
Physical Description1 box
rant to William Cockayne of rents at Shalton, County of Derby. Great seal on a parchment tag, with a separate skippet.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal on Royal Patent. For John Cooke, of Willington, 1852. County of Durham; accompanied by a certification, 1862. Housed in a 19th-century leather-covered Box with the gold-stamped inscription "E.P.H. Vaughan, Patent Agent, 54 Chancery Lane, London, W.C."
Physical Description1 box
Letters Patent appointing Lord Alfred Hervey Keeper of the Privy Seal of the Prince of Wales, with royal seal in skippet. Housed in its original 19th-century leather-covered Box, with gold-stamped inscription, "Keeper of the Privy Seal / Lord Alfred Hervey."
Physical Description1 box
Letter patents issued to John Argall, a mining engineer in Adderbury, County of Oxford, for improvements in manufacturing oil paints, with Great Seal and skippet.
Physical Description1 box
College of Arms. Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon, King of Arms, to Charles Wright Macara. In box for Queen Victoria.
Physical Description1 box
Royal grant of arms to Edward Paget Scholfield with 2 pendant seals.
Physical Description1 box
Appointment of Bishop with Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal, diploma of Doctor of Divinity, with Seal of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Physical Description1 box
In original case with perfect copy of the Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Seal with charter
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal for Scotland appointing William Henry Wilson Solicitor General for Scotland.
Physical Description1 box
Archbishop of Durham, Cathedral Chapter of Durham, Indenture for Reverend Thomas Bowlby, with the seal of the Archbishop and Chapter.
Physical Description1 box
43 boxes
Great Seal (without document).
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal (without document).
Physical Description1 box
2nd Great Seal (without document) (boxed with Seal used by Court for Local Debts and Loans, Kingston upon Hull).
Physical Description1 box
Seal used by Court for Local Debts and Loans, Kingston upon Hull (boxed with 2nd Great Seal).
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
1st Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
4th Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
3rd Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Seal of the Court of Augmentation.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal
Physical Description1 box
1 box
1st Great Seal for Wales (without document).
Physical Description1 box
Charter issued in 28th year.
Physical Description1 box
with 2nd Great Seal, without document).
Physical Description1 box
2nd Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Seal of the Court of Augmentation.
Physical Description2 boxes
Queen consort of Charles II, 2nd Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal
Physical Description1 box
Known as "The Old Pretender" and father of Bonnie Prince Charlie ("The Young Pretender"), Seal.
Physical Description1 box
1st Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal (without document).
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal (without document).
Physical Description1 box
Seal for the County Palatine Lancaster (without document) (boxed with William IV, Seal for the County Palatine of Chester, and Victoria, Seal for the County Palatine of Chester).
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal for Scotland.
Physical Description1 box
Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal for Scotland.
Physical Description1 box
Seal for the County Palatine of Chester (without document) (boxed with George III, Seal for Palatine Lancaster, and Victoria, Seal for the County Palatine of Chester).
Physical Description1 box
Seal for the County Palatine of Chester (without document) (boxed with George III, Seal for the County Palatine of Lancaster, and William IV, Seal for Palatine County of Chester).
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal for Scotland (without document).
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal with skippet.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal with skippet (unattached), n.d. The seal is of the design used before 1898.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal (no documentation).
Physical Description1 box
Seals for the County Palatine of Lancaster.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
1st Great Seal with skippet (without document).
Physical Description2 boxes
Seal for Palatine Chester (without document).
Physical Description1 box
Great Seal.
Physical Description1 box
Proof impressions for seals (4 items).
Physical Description1 box
2 boxes
1 box
1 box
1 box