[ELIZABETH I]: (1533-1603) Queen of England and Ireland 1558-1603. A good document issued under the Great Seal of Elizabeth I, one page (vellum), oblong folio, Westminster, 27th April 1564, in Latin, with an attractive flourished upper line. The document is most likely to be a Licence of Alienation and apparently relates to Johannes Gerrard. With various contemporary dockets to the verso. With the first Great Seal attached by a vellum tag at the foot, measuring 4.9 inches at its greatest diameter, the recto featuring the enthroned Queen Elizabeth I with the traditional symbols of Royal power, including an orb, (the motto Pulchrum pro patra pati - ‘It is beautiful to suffer for one’s country’ no longer evident) and with an image of the Queen on horseback, surrounded by various emblems of state, to the verso (the Latin legend around the edge partially legible). The seal, made from a mixture of beeswax and resin, is browned with age and is somewhat worn and with some areas of loss to the edges (around 85% intact). Some light age wear to the document and some small pinholes to the upper and lower edges. About G

The first Great Seal of Elizabeth I was used on important documents up until 1586 when it was replaced by the second Great Seal, designed by Nicholas Hilliard.