[MR] BBC: Henry VIII Letter and Jane Seymour Proclamation Found

[Jim Looper]

He could read and write. He is considered the inspiration for the Carolingian Renaissance and was a firm believer in sharing knowledge. If I had to theorize as to his reasoning for the use of the "mark", I would suggest that it greatly resembles a impression made by a signet. Looking at the mark, it would be simple to reproduce with a signet and would really stand out when impressed into wax. Please note that this is my own theory as I've not seen any resource material suggesting a reason for Charlemagne's type of signature.

Odd how two of my favorite monarch from history are associated with their country's respective renaissance (Charlemagne and Francois I).

Lucien
Don't blink, you'll miss my flash of brilliance!

----- Original Message -----
<<< I do not know about English Monarch's using a signature as such,  
but Charlemagne used a "mark" as his signature:

http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/14200/14246/char-sig_14246.htm

Lucien >>>

I didn't find the use of a symbol or mark to be different, that was  
often done when the individual or perhaps the receiver couldn't read  
or write. What I saw as unique with Henry was that it was an imitation  
signature rather than a mark or seal.

If I remember correctly, Charlegmagne could read, which was unusual  
for rulers of his time, but he couldn't write.

Stefan