Seal Detail

The seal of William Bree M.A., D.D (1822-1917). The seal is of vessica form and is engraved on the reverse with the maker's name, WYON of Regent St, London whilst the obverse is engraved with the central armorial shield with an outer inscription within a border reading:

THE SEAL OF WILLIAM BREE M.A ARCHDEACON OF COVENTRY 1887

The seal is fitted within its original charcoal coloured leather case, with brass hinges and catch with the makers name gilt-stamped on the inner lid. William Bree was the son Rev. William Thomas Bree (1786-1863) and Helena Maria née Boultbee. He was born on the 19th of November in Coleshill, Warwickshire, and was baptised there on the 22nd on November 1822. William was to become a clergymen holding office for some 69 years. Amongst other things, he was to be the last in a succession of five members of the Bree family, over four generations, to  hold the post of Rector at Allesley in Warwickshire, an occupancy spanning a period of 168 years at the time of his death.

Like his father, William was a keen amateur naturalist and entomologist and he clearly started young. He was archdeacon of Coventry between (1807-1908) - the date of this seal, and reputedly insisted that he should be put second on the list of two candidates being proposed with the newly-created Bishop of Coventry, effectively ensuring his was appointed. His obituary in the Coventry Herald held that in Church matters he was a man of moderate views, but very tenacious of his opinions once they had been formed! 

Seal Specification

Height:  15mm

Diameter of matrix:  57mm x 77mm

Weight:  400g