privy seal
Quick Summary
The privy seal was a British royal seal used before 1885 to authorize the use of the great seal or for documents not requiring it. It could also refer to a document bearing this seal, particularly a warrant for forced loans by English monarchs. The lord privy seal is a high-ranking British government official responsible for the custody of the privy seal.12
The use of the privy seal dates back to King John's reign, initially for domestic economic matters. Over time, its administration shifted, and the keeper of the privy seal became a significant officer of state. The title "lord privy seal" emerged in the late 15th century. While the signet seal gained prominence for royal communications, the privy seal office continued to function as a bureaucratic link for royal grants until its abolition in 1884.2
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