DISPLAY CASE

Merchant Power

This seal shows the occasional practice of surrounding a seal impression with dried and twisted rushes, for its better preservation. In this instance, the rush is visible also on the reverse.

The seal – depicting a wolf’s head in profile – belonged to Walter Shiryngton, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in 1440. It is attached to a deed signifying the end of legal actions against William Perkyns of Ufton Court.

The Borough of Reading

Reference: R/AT1/52

Unlike Southampton, Reading’s medieval seal is almost identical to the town’s arms.

This seal is the earliest known representation of those arms. it dates from 1365, and was used by the town’s mayor to witness a deed selling property in the High Street (near market Place). The incomplete legend reads ‘COMMVN[ITA]TIS RAD[ING]I[E] – the community of Reading.

Burgesses of Windsor

Reference: WI/AT1/466

This damaged seal includes an image of the castle only: the complete seal is known to include the arms of Edward I on the left, and those of his wife Eleanor of Castile on the right. Windsor is spelt as ‘Windelsor’.

The burgesses were the men who ran the town after its incorporation in the 13th century – merchants and skilled craftsmen. Their seal was attached to this sale of land in Eton in 1371.

Corporation of Wallingford

Reference: W/TCD1

Wallingford’s first town charter dates from 1156; its medieval corporation consisted of a mayor and three aldermen.

The corporation’s seal shows a figure on horseback, who is fording a river while brandishing a sword.

The document to which the seal is attached records a gift by the corporation to those responsible for Wallingford bridge. The gift – a house in the town – was intended to provide rent which would be used to maintain the bridge. It was made in 1299. The mayor, Thomas of Cholsey, is named in the document.

Town of Southampton

Reference: D/EZ175/1/4

In common with many medieval ports, Southampton’s seal shows a ship upon the sea, with a sun and moon close at hand. This impression dates from 1447. The seal differs significantly from the town’s coat of arms which was granted in 1575.

It is on a deed because the seller of the house in ‘le Brodstrete’ Abingdon, was from Southampton. He asked the town’s mayor to witness the sale.

The property was conveyed to a charity in Sunningwell, which used the rent to help its village poor.