SEAL OF THE COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH [ELIZABETH I] (1533-1603, from 1558 Queen of England)

Letters Patent in Latin, with transcription and translation, allowing the freehold transfer of property in Sandon, Essex, by John Lathum & Helen his wife, Robert Goddaye & Joan his wife to Anthony Everard, consisting of 3 dwellings, 3 cottages, 3 barns, 3 gardens, 50 acres of land, 20 acres of meadow, 40 acres of pasture, 4 acres of woodland and 2 shillings' worth of rent, for a fee to the Queen's Farmer of 33s 4d, "Not willing that [the parties] ... by reason of the foregoing should by Us Our heirs or successors, or by Our Justices Escheators Sheriffs Bailiffs or other Our Officials or Ministers ... be thereby hindered molested accused vexed in any way or burdened", 1 side vellum, 7" x 14", endorsed in English "Licence of Alienation ...", the seal shows Queen Elizabeth enthroned under a canopy flanked by the Royal Arms, on the reverse she rides side-saddle, the reins in her right, the sceptre in her left hand, c. 5 ins. in diameter, Westminster, 1st September 22 Eliz. I, seal rubbed and defective with loss of legends, on the obverse most of the design is present, on the reverse small portions are missing including the horse's rear leg but still an attractive seal, mended along a former break, light gnawing on folded portion of document at foot (blank except for a clerk's signature, which from a similar document is [Jo: Oy]bon), surface of about 6 words and a few letters rubbed off but all supplied in transcription



Item Date:  1580

Stock No:  50922