Seal of Edward the First, for the Port of London, Found in the River Thames
Seal of Edward the First, for the Port of London,
Found in the River Thames.
A remarkably fine impression, of which the [above] is a faithful copy both as to size and device, has been transmitted to the editor of the Every-Day Book by a gentleman, the initials of whose name are J. L., and from him the following account has been obtained.
The seal itself was drawn by ballast-heavers from the bed of the Thames opposite Queenhithe, in 1809 or 1810, and purchased from them by the late Mr. Bedder, of Basing-lane. He was by profession a bricklayer, but a man of considerable taste, a lover of antiquities, and the possessor of a collection of rare and curious coins in high preservation, which he had accumulated at a considerable expense.
This seal, from the inscription around it, appears to have been an official seal of the port of London. It is of silver, very thick, beautifully executed, and in the finest possible condition. By whom it is now possessed is not known to Mr. J. L., who received the impression from Mr. Bedder himself.
The editor may venture to assert that full justice is done to it in the preceding representation; and as he is unable to give further information, he will be happy to receive and communicate any other particulars respecting the original.
NATURALISTS’ CALENDAR.
Mean Temperature 60·57.