Post-Medieval — 1548; 16th century
Seal for St Katharine's-by-the-Tower and the Royal seal for Ecclesiastical Causes
This vesica-shaped (pointed oval-shaped) seal for the Royal Hospital of St Katharine-by-the-Tower and the Royal seal for Ecclesiastical Causes is inscribed: S. REGIAE. MAIESTATS. AD. CAVSAS. ECCLESICS (sic). The front depicts a shield of Royal Arms (which is very worn) with a crown above and a lion and griffin as supporters. Below is a five-line inscription: 'SCA. KATE/RINA. IVXTA. TVR./ IN LON/DO' (meaning ‘St Katherine’s Near the Tower’). The back is engraved with the initials HL and the date 1548. According to the hospital ordinances of 1351, the seal was to be kept under lock and key and could be used only with the agreement of the brothers and sisters of the hospital. Every religious house had a unique seal to validate decrees executed in its name.
- Category:
- Post-Medieval
- Object ID:
- A11011
- Object name:
- seal for St Katharine's-by-the-Tower and the Royal seal for Ecclesiastical Causes
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- 1548; 16th century
- Material:
copper alloy
- Measurements/duration:
- L 48 mm, W 30 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.