Seal and counter-seal of Walter, Bishop of Glasgow, 1208-1232. The image on the seal is that of St Kentigern, in profile, standing on a crescent reversed. In his left hand is a crosier, and he is in the act of benediction.
Prior to his election as Bishop of Glasgow, Walter had been chaplain to King William the Lion. He was able to use his influence with the king to obtain privileges for the burgh. One charter granted freedom for citizens of Glasgow to trade in Argyll and Lennox.
The burgh of Rutherglen had previously been given the right by King David to levy tolls and customs charges as far as the River Kelvin, an area which included Glasgow. A charter obtained by Walter in 1226 revoked this right in relation to the burgh of Glasgow. Progress was also made with the building of Glasgow Cathedral during Walter's time; the nave was extended and completed, and the south-west door and the entrance to the Blacader Aisle were constructed.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 941.435 REN
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
bishops, Blacader Aisle, chaplains, charters, crosiers, customs, Glasgow Cathedral, nave, seals, tolls