The Great Seal of England Grant of Manorial Title for the Manor of Ketton Rutland County Museum

The seal is known as the Second Great Seal of Queen Elizabeth I and was used in the latter part of her reign from 1586-1603. This impression is made from wax and would have been pressed from an original bronze matrix which was engraved by Nicholas Hilliard who was an artist specialising in miniature portraits.

The document attached to the seal is a grant of licence to John Harrington given by Queen Elizabeth I on 2nd September 1594. It gave royal approval to the transfer of Ketton manor to Richard Stace.

Although seals were widely used during this time, the Great Seal was important as it was used only by the monarch to approve public acts and announcements. It is rare to find completely intact wax seals in such good condition. This Seal is especially interesting for Rutland County Museum, as it relates to the local area.

On one side of the seal, Elizabeth is on horseback riding in a field of flowering plants. This is said to symbolise hope and prosperity and the queen's femininity. She is surrounded by the Tudor Rose of England, the  Harp of Ireland and Fleur-de-lys of France.

The inscription around the edge of the seals reads 'Elizabetha dei gracia Anglie Francie at Hibernie Of England, France AND Ireland, Defender Of the Faith.

The Seal can be seen at Rutland County Museum, it is on loan from Hanson Cement

www.rutlandmuseum.gov.uk