1572 Elizabeth I Parchment Charter (Royal Pardon) W/Noble Seal Exhibited in British Museum-This royal pardon is on parchment (animal skin), and is a formal general pardon for the "Portrieve and Burgesses of Gowran". The document is dated 17 January 1572. The pardon was granted in consideration of payment of four pounds (Irish Money at the time). Sir William Fitzwilliam, who was Elizabeth I's Lord Deputy at the time is actually mentioned in this document. The wax seal, is the noble seal of Elizabeth I (during her first reign). This piece has been on Display at the British Museum in London, and references the item number for purposes of provenance. The parchment itself is in good-fair condition for an ancient document. The document measures: 12" x 7" (and there appears to be a fold in the document). The seal has impressions on both, the front and the back. The seal measures: (approximately) 3.5" x 4", and is in very good condition for it's age. These pardons are rarely found, and never go into the general market place. This is a museum quality piece, as that is where it has been for many years. Our consignor actually won this parchment in a game of darts several years ago from a family that had just moved to the USA from London. The document was brought from London in a trunk when they came to the states. (This item is one of the rarest items we have ever had the pleasure of having come through our auction house, and we want to make sure that it gets an appropriate new home due to it's historical significance). Entire frame measures: 21.5" x 19".

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