"Edward I., in the 7th year of his reign, November 15th, 1279, granted a seal for the use of both Bailiewicks. The seal used in both islands was the same in all respects, except that one had, as legend, S. Ballivic Insule de Gerseye, and the other, S. Ballivic Insule de Gernseye. Both seals are appended to a document formerly belonging to the abbey of Mont St. Michel. The seals bore the three lions of England crowned, and were both surmounted by a branch, of which more below. The document is of the year 1315. The Guernsey side has the counterseal of Macey de la Court Bailiff. The Jersey counterseal has no name, but bears three lions passant, with some sort of bird as a crest. The Bailiff of Guernsey still uses a facsimile of the original seal. In Jersey the seal has been modernized, and the surmounting branch omitted, perhaps by the carelessness of the engraver. The said branch is usually styled a laurel branch, but why I know not. It has stiff sprays, and I am convinced was intended for the Plantagenista, the well-known badge used by King Edward I."
It cannot, however, but be observed that if the sprig be intended to represent the slight, insignificant foliage of the Plantagenista [called "Broom" in the south of England], the design is very unlike and misleading.
As regards the official seals used locally for Alderney and Sark, under date, Alderney, 22nd February, 1895, the Procureur of Alderney informs me:—
"The Guernsey seal is not ours, nor is it ever used by us. A facsimile of our seal and coat of arms is enclosed, but I know not when granted, nor by whom."
This seal is a lion rampant, with a sprig in right paw, and above the legend JUGE D'AUREGNY. The heraldic tinctures are not indicated on the seal.
With reference to the seal used locally for Sark, W. F. Collings, Esquire, informs me, under date, Sark, 8th March, 1895:—
"The seal of the Seigneurs was authorized to be used by act of the Royal Court, Guernsey, bearing date the 12th day of August, 1661, by virtue of a clause in Letters Patent of James I.—of date, August 12th, 1611. The seal was lost in the wreck of the steamer Gosforth, November 26th, 1872."
The Rev. G. E. Lee supplements the above as follows:—
"I find that the Alderney seal was granted by the Lords of the Privy Council, on May 23rd, 1745. It bears the legend Sigillum Curiæ Insulæ Origny, 1745.
"Origny is an older form than Auregny; the mediæval Latin was Alrenorium.