This document is two large parchment pages with a border around the top and sides of both pages showing the Royal Coat of Arms, and figures representing Justice, Defence, Agriculture and Science, and Mercy, and two supporting angels.
Queen Victoria's seal, inscribed with the Royal style and title Victoria Dei Gratia Britt Regina Fid def ind imp (Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India), is attached to the second page of the letter by a cord, and housed in a round black shellacked metal case, 15.5 cm in diameter.
The whole is housed in a wooden box covered with red leather. The centre of the lid bears the royal coat of arms embossed in gold. The box is lined with royal purple velvet.
Long Title: | Queen Victoria's Letters Patent constituting the Office of the Governor-General 29 October 1900 |
No. of pages: | 2 |
Medium: | Parchment |
Measurements: | Document: 60 x 58cm
Case: 22 x 25cm |
Provenance: | Presented by Queen Victoria to Lord Hopetoun on 29 October 1900; kept in the Office of the Governor-General until transferred to the National Archives in 1977 |
Features: | An elaborate and beautiful document |
Location & Copyright: | National Archives of Australia |
Reference: | NAA: A10873 |