Legal Definitions - spigurnel

A spigurnel was a historical official within the English Chancery, an important administrative department of the medieval royal government. This officer's primary duty was to apply the king's official seal to royal writs and other significant documents, thereby authenticating them and making them legally binding. In essence, the spigurnel served as the official "sealer" of the king's commands and decrees, ensuring their legitimacy and authority.

• Example 1: Royal Proclamation

  Imagine King Edward III wanted to issue a new proclamation across his kingdom, declaring a period of national mourning or announcing a new tax. For this proclamation to be recognized as legitimate and enforced by local authorities throughout the realm, it would need the king's official seal. The spigurnel would be the specific officer responsible for affixing this seal, transforming a mere written instruction into an authoritative royal command that all subjects were bound to obey.

• Example 2: Grant of Privileges

  When King Henry II decided to grant a special charter of rights and privileges to a loyal monastery or a growing merchant guild, the document detailing this grant would be drafted by the Chancery. To ensure its legal validity and permanence, the spigurnel would then apply the royal seal. This act formally authenticated the king's intention, making the grant official, legally binding, and difficult to challenge in the future.

• Example 3: Judicial Writ

  If a powerful baron was accused of a serious crime and the king's court needed to issue a formal summons for them to appear, this summons would take the form of a royal writ. The spigurnel's role would be crucial here, as their application of the king's seal would transform the written summons into an official, legally enforceable order from the Crown, demanding the noble's presence in court and lending it the full weight of royal authority.