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Lesser royal seals: Deputed great seals for eg France, Ireland, and Wales. Expansion of the kings’ affairs: addition of smaller, more personal seals, such as the signet. The Chancery did not control these seals, hence the evolution of autonomous offices. The privy seal: early 13th century (clerks of the king’s chamber). Importance increased: early 14th century the keeper of the privy seal was the third minister of state. Further prestige in midcentury, when great seal was entrusted to keepers who went abroad with Edward III. Privy seal grew in importance, the king preferred another small seal for authenticating correspondence and warrants. Under Edward II (ruled 1307–27) there was a secret seal distinct from the privy seal. By 1400 the signet, as the secret seal was then called, was in the charge of the king’s secretary. The signet rather than the privy seal became the originating force in administration, and from 1540 there were two secretaries, each with two signets. The privy seal and signet seal were both single armorial seals. Clerk van het Signet?
Dank voor het spoor Barend!
The translation workplace 
