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Queensberry Seal Matrix
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THE JAMES DOUGLAS, 2ND DUKE OF QUEENSBERRY (1672-1711) SEAL MATRIX
AN
IMPORTANT EARLY 18TH CENTURY SCOTTISH SILVER SEAL MATRIX, CIRCA 1701
Sold at auction for £4,788 in May 2023
Description
The
large dished circular matrix with deeply carved and engraved armorial,
the reverse, engraved with mirrored monogram JQ, with ducal coronet
above
Dimensions
Diameter 10.3cm, weight: 13.2oz
Heraldry:
Arms: Quarterly 1st and 4th Argent a
man’s heart gules ensigned with an imperial crown proper on a chief
azure three mullets of the field (for Douglas) 2nd and 3rd Azure a bend
between six cross crosslets fitchy or (or Mar) the whole within a
bordure or charged with the double tressure of Scotland gules the arms
are environed by the Garter and ensigned with a duke’s coronet.
Crest: A heart gules winged and ensigned with an imperial crown or (for
Douglas)
Supporters: Two pegasi argent winged or
Motto: Forward
Note:
James
Douglas, 2nd Duke of Queensberry and 1st Duke of Dover was a highly
important politician in 18th-century Scotland. The eldest son of William
Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry and his wife Isabel Douglas. Educated
at Glasgow University he was awarded title of Privy Councillor by the
age of 22 in 1684.
He served in various regiments including
Dundee’s Regiment of Horse and was appointed Colonel of the Scots Troop
of the Horse Guard Regiment. A supporter of William III, it was under
his reign he was commissioned as a Colonel, presumably for his support
in the 1688 Glorious Revolution.
His political career was hugely
successful and on the death of his father and his elevation to 2nd Duke
of Queensberry, the titles and roles he held in the highest office would
grow. He held positions such as Lord High Treasurer of Scotland (1693),
Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland (1695 – 1702), and Extraordinary
Lord of Session, Lord High Commissioner to the Scottish Parliament
(1701-1703). His position close to the Royal Household was made even
clearer in 1701 when he was appointed Knight of the Garter.
Although obviously a Royalist and in 1707 would be instrumental in
securing the Act of Union, he did become embroiled, and some would say
supported the Jacobite cause. He was tricked by Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat
into trying to betray the Duke of Atholl to the Royal Court for his
Jacobite support. This ultimately poor attempt and failed scheme meant
Douglas stepped back from Government in 1704.
His fall from
favour was short as the following year he was reinstated as Keeper of
the Privy Seal among other roles. As mentioned, he ultimately helped
secure the Act of Union which lost him many friends, but did mean he
received a £3000 per year pension.
His rewards were not just
monetary as he was given English titles to match his Scottish ones
already held and was created Duke of Dover, Marquess of Beverley and
Earl of Rippon in 1708.
His career and indeed life would not last
long after this and while serving as Secretary of State for Scotland,
from 1709, he died in office in 1711.
He was succeeded by his
second son Charles as his eldest, some considered ‘insane'; consequently
passing over from succeeding his premier titles but was given the
titular title of Marquess, befitting the son of a Duke.
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Source
Sources for this article include:
•
Lyon & Turnbull, auctioneers
• Matrix: A Collection of British Seals - David Morris 2012- - Seal 23,
page 64
Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted
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