83 
bears an effigy of an Abbess of the Monastery, who is thus 
described on the face of the seal itself, Sigill . eadgyde . 
regal . adelphe. She appears in the habit of her order, the 
Benedictine, and holds in her left hand what seems to be a 
book, probably intended for the gospels, whilst the right is 
lifted as in the act of benediction. 
The figure probably represents Edith, daughter of King Eadgar, 
who was a great benefactor to the monastery of Wilton ; she entered 
the monastery as a nun, and was afterwards canonized, and became 
the patron saint of the abbey. 
A curious metrical composition, on the lives and actions of the 
founders and benefactors of Wilton Abbey from the time of King 
Egbert, is still extant; in this are given full legendary accounts of 
her life and miraculous powers after death. She continued to be 
honoured long after her decease. In many of the calendars pre¬ 
fixed to the English Service Books, and especially those belonging 
to Salisbury, her name is inserted on the 17th September. In the 
Sarum Missal there is also an office appropriated to her. 
This seal of Wilton Abbey was used in the time of King Eadgar 
about 974. 
2. Seal of the Hospital of St. Giles, Wilton. Founded by Adelicia, 
Queen of Henry I. 
3. Common seal of the borough of Wilton. 
4. Personal seal of the Mayor of Wilton. 
This is a curious illustration of the complete change of subject 
in the process of re-engraving the seal. In an oval seal attached 
to a document, bearing date 1348, the subject is the Coronation of 
the Virgin, a not uncommon device at that period. In 1416 the 
seal is changed, being somewhat larger, and the subject much less 
distinctly given. At the Heralds’ Visitation, in 1623, the two 
figures had become “ Saxon Kings in Gothic niches,” and were so 
allowed by the Herald. 
5. Seal of Joan de Westone, found at Wilton. 
7. Seal of the Guild of Weavers, Wilton, “ Weave trust with 
truth.” 
Nos. 1 to 6. Presented by Mr . Nightingale. 
7. Seal with figure of St. Margaret, having a dragon under her 
feet, and holding a spear surmounted by a cross, inscribed, 
SAVNTA MARRGORETA. 
8. The counter seal of some Priory of St. John. It bears the 
effigy of St. John the Baptist, with camel’s hair dress, and 
is inscribed contra s’prioris. 
9. Seal of Walter Predie, device, a fish in water surmounted by 
foliage, inscribed, s’walterx predie. 
10. Four ordinary seals, one bearing the Agnus Dei. 
Nos. 7 to 10 formed part of the Prodie Coll . 
11. Oval seal, bearing a castle, and the letters LS. 
