LS

[Colin Moretti]

Most, if not all, will transcripts that I have from the the ecclesiastical courts have testator's name where their signature would be in the original followed by the letters LS then signed and sealed by .... What exactly are the letters LS an abbreviation for please?

I've been meaning to ask the question for ages and have just been reminded because I have another will to transcribe.

Thanks

Colin

[busyglen]

Colin,

I think this is `Legal Signature' which indicates that it is not the testator's actual signature.

Glenys

[Colin Moretti]

Many thanks Glenys - simple when you think about it, but not immediately obvious.

Colin

[daggers]

L.S. is from Latin loco sigilli meaning place of the seal, rather than the signature. Not many use sealing wax these days - a small paper wafer is sometimes used, which is not so impressive [sorry about the pun].
D

[Colin Moretti]

Thanks for the fuller explanation daggers - pun forgiven

Colin