HOME	The Seal of Winchelsea.

The Seal of Winchelsea

The Seal of the Corporation is as ancient as the corporate seal of any port. It dates from the early part of the reign of Edward I (1272-1307).  The Obverse of the seal shows an ancient ship with a poop and embattled forecastle and the royal arms three lions passant. The translation of the legend is "The seal of the Barons of our Lord the King of England of Winchelsea".

The Counter Seal (lost in the 18th century and recovered in 1907) shows parts of three public buildings of the town. On the left the church of St. Giles and a representation of St. Giles caressing his hind. In the centre a tower, possibly the Town Hall and a warden holding a lantern and representations of the Annunciation and the Virgin Mary. On the right the church of St. Thomas and a representation of the martyrdom of St. Thomas. At the base are representations of the religious houses of the town and of the sea.

The surrounding legend is an invocation to S.S. Giles and Thomas for their protection although the precise meaning is not clear.