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Great Shield of William the Conqueror

Great Shield of William the Conqueror.jpg Great Seal of William II (William Rufus)Thumbnails10th Century soldierGreat Seal of William II (William Rufus)Thumbnails10th Century soldierGreat Seal of William II (William Rufus)Thumbnails10th Century soldierGreat Seal of William II (William Rufus)Thumbnails10th Century soldierGreat Seal of William II (William Rufus)Thumbnails10th Century soldierGreat Seal of William II (William Rufus)Thumbnails10th Century soldier

Great Seal of King William the Conqueror : from the fine impression appended to a charter preserved at the Hotel Soubise in Paris. The charter is a grant to the Abbey of St. Denis of land at Teynton, in England. The king wears the hauberk of chain-mail over a tunic. The hemispherical helmet is surmounted by a small knob, and has laces to fasten it under the chin. The legs do not appear to have any armour : the spur has disappeared. A lance with streamer and a large kite-shield complete the warrior's equipment. The legend is + Hoc NORMANNORUM WILLELMUM ITOBCE PATRONUM sI(GNO).