Great Yarmouth, first seal of the corporation, late 13th century

Great Yarmouth, first seal of the corporation, late 13th century. Late thirteenth-century sailing vessel. Early illustration of a bowline led from the sail to the bowsprit end, probably the earliest use of this spar. A man is hauling on the bowline fall. The projections on the planking are rubbing pieces (fenders). The square fighting top, is wholly on the forward side of the mast. The helmsman is handling the tiller of the quarter-rudder, whose blade is seen on the water-line. Inscription: 'SIGILLVM : COMVNITATIS : DE:GERNEMVTHA'. The cast is mounted on a cardboard backboard with a label.

Object Details

ID: SEC0074
Type: Seal cast
Display location: Not on display
Places: Great Yarmouth
Date made: late 13C; late 13C
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 10 mm x 79 mm