Cloth Seal, London Coat of Arms

Cloth Seal, London Coat of Arms, Image & Found by Dragonsbreath.
Found on the 2005 Corfe Rally in Dorset.

Two discs from a four part seal showing traditional Iberian shaped shield bearing the arms of London (ridged cross with sword in first quarter) inscription around - CIVI(TA)TE * LONDON(IS) // scroll? above ornate shield bearing the arms of London F (Y?)(both horizontal) to sides.

See seals 2216{"ornately-shaped shield with arms of London, (? F & wreath) around"} and 2626{"arms of London in ornately-shaped shield, . to each side, scroll above with (? SVBSIDIES) on"}, "Inner discs from smaller four-part seals have arms of London in ornately-shaped shield, scroll with illegible word [possibly 'subsidies'] above, possible wreath around If correctly interpreted, this legend could indicate a date during the Commonwealth", p 167, Provenanced Leaden Cloth Seals by Geoffrey Egan, Sub-Department of Medieval Archaeology, University College, University of London submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, 1987.

The Commonwealth period suggestion is interesting in connection to the find spot as Corfe Castle was partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians. As this is the second similar seal from there it is tempting and not improbable to imagine a supply of cloth arriving for or being 'liberated' by the besieging army!

[Note from the site owner] If you should read this Paul (or any friends who know him) please get in touch as I would like further pictures of this seal if possible.