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Series

Signatures by Stamp, Henry VIII

Catalogue reference: SP 4

What's it about?

SP 4

Monthly registers of bills, warrants and letters stamped with the dry stamp of Henry VIII's signature, submitted to the king for clearance by his real signature. The dry stamp of the king's signature was used because of Henry VIII's...

Full description and record details

Reference
SP 4
Title
Signatures by Stamp, Henry VIII
Date
1545-1547
Description

Monthly registers of bills, warrants and letters stamped with the dry stamp of Henry VIII's signature, submitted to the king for clearance by his real signature. The dry stamp of the king's signature was used because of Henry VIII's disinclination to sign.

The volume provided a check on possible misuse of the stamp: the king checked each register and authorised that month's use of the dry stamp by signing the register with his own hand (inking in the impression).

Held by
The National Archives, Kew
Legal status
Public Record(s)
Language
English
Physical description
1 volume(s)
Access conditions
Available in digital format
Subjects
Topics
Litigation
Administrative / biographical background

The dry stamp was effectively a fourth royal seal from September 1545 to February 1547 to authenticate all documents previously authenticated by his sign manual. It was administered by officers of the Privy Chamber.

Publication note(s)
The records are calendared in Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic of the Reign of Henry VIII ed. J S Brewer J Gairdner and R H Brodie (London 1802-1932). Please speak to staff at the Map and Large Document Room enquiry desk for the precise location.
Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/C13546/

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This record is held at The National Archives, Kew

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Within the department: SP

Records assembled by the State Paper Office, including papers of the Secretaries...

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Signatures by Stamp, Henry VIII

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