general information
(b) about Notaries
Notaries are the oldest of the three branches of the legal profession in the UK, along with solicitors and barristers. The notarial profession originated in the 13th century and the authority of Notaries is recognised throughout the world.
Notaries are appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury under the authority of the Crown and are regulated by the Archbishop's court, the Court of Faculties, which is adjacent to Westminster Abbey. Notaries were originally appointed by the Pope under his authority, but this changed in 1533, during the reign of Henry VIII, when the Church of England split from Rome.
Notaries operate under similar rules to Solicitors and must be fully insured with fidelity cover for the public and clients. They must also renew their practising certificates annually, which requires them to keep to strict rules of practice, including keeping client money separate from their own.
Unlike Solicitors, whose responsibility is to their client, a Notary has prime responsibility to ensure that his notarial act may be relied upon by anyone who may receive the notarised document, in any part of the world.
There are around 1,000 notaries in England and Wales, most of whom are members of the Notaries Society.
All Notaries have a distinctive seal, which they apply to documents along with their signature. My own notarial seal bears the crest of the Anton family.