Unusual Wax Seal On Old Letter 1821

Thanks for all these responses, -
this is one of seven letters concerning the family of the Viscount Sydney, and we will be putting them all up on our website when we have finished the research. We have a HUGE amount of information, and it is a question of reducing it to essentials as it relates to the letters.

Re Bobby de la Rue's comment, yes, as is Sydney Nova Scotia, he is the only man to have had places named after him in two different countries during his lifetime. All very interesting, to us.

The seal is not a fake, as can be seen by the fact that the letter was opened around the seal when it was received.

The idea of it being related to classical times is a good one, as all the clergymen at that time had to have obtained a degree at university, usually at that time Oxford or Cambridge, and the MA would have been based on Greek and Roman studies in the Classics. We do not know enough about the classic mythology to even guess what these figures might represent, and find it fascinating.

Rod, it would be great if you get a response from Croydon and we would be so interested to know. Thanks again.

Regards
Ron and Eunice

Interesting, I am located in Sydney, N.S. and know of a Townshend family in Sydney. I doubt there is any direct connection though. I as well am as interested in finding out more about that seal and its meaning.

Have had a reply from Mr. Lancaster.
Seems the wax seal is open for personal opinion.
Best I can do.

Rod

That's not quite true. The four towns named Bathurst in New South Wales, Gambia, New Brunswick and Cape Of Good Hope were all named when the 3rd Earl Bathurst was still alive. Granted, that's the only other example that I know of

Thanks Bobby re the Bathurst name too - obviously we are only as good as our sources, as this is the quote for our statement
quote
Opinions about Thomas Townshend, first Viscount Sydney have changed over the passing two centuries, but he is the only person to have a city named after him in two of the colonies of the British Empire: Sydney in Australia of course, but also Sydney in Nova Scotia, Canada.

unquote

So perhaps it is just the precise wording OR the reference we use did not know about Bathurst ??





Rod, that is an amazing reply from Mr Lancaster, thanks very much indeed for that. We are staggered that you had any response, let alone one so swiftly over the festive season. Will it be OK for me to add his reply to our website, together with your acknowledged assistance please.



Also just as a matter of interest to this forum :

In the years preceding the Australian Bicentenary, in 1986 Viscount Sydney was honoured on a postage stamp depicting his portrait that was issued by Australia Post.[

Regards to all
Ron and Eunice

Certainly, Ron.
I love your work, I recall many years ago, being fascinated by Eunice's journalism regarding British stampless covers.
It was an inspiration for me.

I must admit, I was wrong in feeling the seal was ecclesiatical, just shows how philately can make a fool of us all, from time to time.

My pleasure Ron & Eunice

May we know the reference you have quoted?

Just a FYI to members, whom are unaware of Ron and Eunice's work.

Australian Stamp News 2005

for Bobby de la Rue
Now Eunice is stumped, as she has reams of information, and has trudged through it, and cannot find the source of that quote.

The nearest one she can find is this one from the Townshend family page about him

quote
Not many politicians are involved in the formative histories of three countries and have cities on two continents named after them.

unquote

So, as she cannot find the source, she will delete the reference to being the only person etc - so thanks for pointing that out.

This forum is such a good one for sharing information.
Regards
Ron and Eunice

Hi all,

Just a note to advise that we have uploaded all the letters relating to the Viscount Sydney and the Townshend family, including the one with the amazing seal on it.
For the links to them please see the 'Philatelic books' etc thread, posted there to save moderators any hassles.
Regards to all.
Ron and Eunice.

Thanks Ron and Eunice.

You do have one of the most interesting philatelic websites around

You're welcome Bobby,
Glad to have been of help, what comes around goes around and we have had plenty of help on the forums.
Thanks for the comments on the web site, glad you find something of interest.
Cheers
Ron and Eunice.