Sulyard - Medieval Seals

Documents of this period were authenticated by the use of the personal seals of the parties involved. The majority are made of red or black wax. However in this collection there are also some white seals. These are also made of wax but chalk in powdered form has been introduced to give the white colour. This makes the white wax very brittle and so they are much more prone to deterioration and generally survive less well.  Two examples are shown below.  One is a plain white seal of Robert son of Gilbert de Wetherden on an undated deed, probably of the late 13th century.  The other is a red wax seal with a white wax back and surround, which throws the red seal into startling relief.  This is dated 28 September 1348. The seal is probably that of John de Hornigesherth senior of Baketon.

Image of document seal

© Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Archive Service

Staffordshire Record Office, D641/4/A/2/8/8

Image of document seal

© Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Archive Service

Staffordshire Record Office, D641/4/A/2/8/88


There are no results that match your criteria.

Help us to improve our web site. Rate this page...

  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Email page link| to a friend
Print friendly version of this page
Add Your Feedback