The “Great Seal” signifies that a document carries the force of the will of the Monarch.
Interestingly, on December 11th 1688, while attempting to flee to France, James II threw his Great Seal into the River Thames, hoping that the machinery of government would stop. It didn’t.
His successors, William III and Mary II just had a new one made!
Since 1066 we have had the Great Seal. It is kept by the Lord High Chancellor, obviously it is not with the same one! Sovereigns designed their own, but not only monarchs, after the civil war Oliver Cromwell even had a special seal made inscribed “The Great Seal of England, 1648” to prove his power.
Some monarchs had several, Queen Victoria had four different ones during her 63-year reign, while today’s one was struck in July 2001 replacing the 1953 one.
Isn’t history Fun!
10 questions to discuss:
- What historical event led to James II throwing his Great Seal into the River Thames?
- What was James II hoping to achieve by throwing the Great Seal into the river?
- Did James II’s plan succeed? Why or why not?
- Who were James II’s successors, and what did they do after his departure?
- How long has the Great Seal been in use, and what is its significance?
- Who is responsible for keeping the Great Seal, and has this responsibility changed over time?
- Can you provide an example of a non-monarch who used a Great Seal, and what was its inscription?
- How many Great Seals did Queen Victoria have during her reign, and how does this compare to other monarchs?
- When was the current Great Seal struck, and what prompted its replacement?
- What distinguishes the current Great Seal from its predecessor, which was in use since 1953?
More information for your students:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Seal_of_the_Realm
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/the-great-seal/
http://www.explore-parliament.net/nssMovies/08/0889/0889_.htm
© Tony Dalton