The Great Seal of King James VI and I

The Great Seal is an important symbol of the sovereign's role as head of state and a new matrix (design) is created at the beginning of each monarch's reign. The seal is attached to the bottom of a document to authenticate it and make it official.

When King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England, his Great Seal was changed to mark the union of the two kingdoms. The design displays two important aspects of leadership: the power to administer justice and the authority to lead armies into battle.

Print images of the seal and the description, Rich Text Format, 800KB, new window.

Link to a timeline for the reign of King James VI and I.

Description

These two images show the second Great Seal of King James VI and I, which was used during his reign from 1603 until his death in 1625. It measures 14cm in diameter.

The front, or obverse, of the seal shows the King mounted on a horse, wearing armour and with a closed crown on his head. In his right hand he holds a sword above his head and in his left hand he holds the reins. In the background, above the horse's head, is a fleur de lys and over its tail is a portcullis. The legend around the edge of the seal reads deus judicium tuum regi da in Latin. The English translation is Lord grant judgement to your king.

The reverse of the seal shows a plain shield bearing the arms of King James VI and I. It is quartered: the first and fourth quarters show the Scottish lion rampant; the second quarter shows the three lions passant of England quartered with the fleur de lys of France; the third quarter shows the harp of Ireland. The shield is supported by a chained unicorn and a lion. Above the shield is the King's ensign: the monarch's crown. Around the shield are the collars of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's knightly order, and the Order of the Garter, the English knightly order. The legend around the edge of the seal reads Jacobus dei gratia magni britanie francie et hiberni rex in Latin. The English translation is James by the grace of God King of Britain, France and Ireland.

(National Records of Scotland reference: GD124/10/116)