This silver seal is the oldest example surviving from any of the towns and cities of England, and dates to around 1170 - 1200. The inscription on it reads 'SIGILLVM CIVITATIS EXONIE' which means 'the seal of the city of Exeter'.
The image shows an elaborate building between a pair of towers. These are symbols of wealth and security, rather than depictions of any specific building. The seal was the Norman equivalent of a credit card used to show that the city had given its authority to a transaction.
The Common Seal of Exeter
Contributed by RAMM Exeter
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