The Great Seal of King James VI of Scotland

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.

King James VI's Great Seal was made of beeswax strengthened with resin. 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, 700KB, new window.

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

Description

These two images show the first Great Seal of King James VI that was used during his reign in Scotland before he succeeded to the English throne. It measures 11.7cm in diameter.

The front, or obverse, of the seal shows the King mounted on a horse, wearing armour. His helmet has a plume of five ostrich feathers and his visor is raised open. He holds a drawn sword in his right hand and his left hand holds the reins. The horse, with a plume of four ostrich feathers, gallops over the ground. It is dressed in a cloth comparison that shows a thistle and a shield bearing the royal arms of Scotland. The background to the seal is covered with scroll-like branches and trefoil leaves. The legend around the edge of the seal reads Jacobus sextus dei gratia rex Scotorum in Latin. The English translation is James VI by the grace of God King of Scots.

The reverse of the seal shows a shield bearing the arms of the king. The lion rampant sits in the centre of the shield which is supported by two chained unicorns. Above the shield is the King's ensign: the royal helmet placed under the monarch's crown of Scotland. The lion seated on the crown holds the sword and sceptre. Around the shield is the collar of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's knightly order. The legend around the edge of the seal reads Salvum fac populum tuum domine in Latin. The English translation is Lord save your people.

(National Records of Scotland reference: GD6/222a)