English, 1553. Very rare example of an illuminated document confirming a grant of arms and signed by Edward VI (see small box containing text next to illuminated "E"). Illumination consists primarily of heraldic illustration, stylized flowers, and the decorated calligraphy of the first line of the document. The calligraphy in the photograph is quite clear; the first line, written against the golden background, is in a gothic textura hand, while the remainder of the document is written in a clear humanist hand. The text is in English. Interesting to note, but not visible in the scan: the lining for the text is visable, and appears to be a sepia color. The fold of vellum at the bottom of the document has been cut away to reveal the lower section of the border, leading one to wonder if the document was decorated and then signed by the King, or if the document was decorated after the signature and the illustrator cut away the sections to decorate the areas. The seal is not visable in the photograph, and there is no mention of the seal in the text; however, the word "Norry" is written at the bottom of the text block, in the far right corner. This is one of the offices of the Kings of Arms, leading to more speculation. Did the King of Arms sign to verify that the grant had been recorded by the College of Arms?

Appears in Heraldry in Historic Houses of Great Britain by Thomas Woodcock and John Robinson, The National Trust and Harry Abrams, Publishers, London, 2000.