The Scrymgeour Charter, 1298

(James Anderson's Diplomata, 1739, Plate XLIII)

Partial translation

William Walays knight, Guardian of the kingdom of Scotland and general of its army, in the name of an Illustrious prince, Lord John, by the grace of God King of Scotland by consent of the community of that kingdom... Be it known to you all that we in the name of our foresaid lord the King of Scotland... have given and granted... to Alexander called Skirmischur, six marks of land in the territory of Dunde... And also the constabulary of the castle of Dunde with its pertinents, freedoms and easements without reserve, for homage to be done to the foresaid king and his heirs or successors, and for faithful service and succour given to the said kingdom, in carrying the Royal banner in the army of Scotland at the time of making this charter…

Given at Torpheichyn the twenty-ninth day of March the year of grace one thousand two hundred ninety-eight.

(Translation from National Manuscripts of Scotland, Vol. 1, p.xiv)

John Balliol's seal, front and back

This engraving of the Scrymgeour charter provides a much clearer view of Balliol’s seal compared to that in Unit 2. The inscription is in Latin and reads: Iohannes - Dei Gratia - Rex Scottorum which translates as: John, by the grace of God, King of Scots.

The front of the seal shows the king seated on his throne, wearing a crown and holding a sceptre in his right hand. The back of the seal shows a knight on horseback, wearing a crown and visor on his head, carrying a sword in his right hand and displaying the lion rampant on his shield. These features are typical of a European monarch’s seal of the time.