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BULLA
Unique ID: SUSS-170A48
Object type certainty: Certain
An incomplete cast lead alloy bulla (seal) of Pope Honorius IV (1285-1287 AD).
Side 1: Busts of St. Paul and St. Peter. Both busts are each positioned within a beaded aureole. St. Paul, on the left, is depicted with a long beard and St Peter, on the right, has a curly beard formed of small pellets. Both heads are enclosed within a border of pellets (or pearls). A long cross with base is placed between the two heads. Above the busts is an inscription 'SPA SPE'. The side near St. Peter's bust and the border underneath the busts has been removed and there seem to be fairly regular small chopping marks, which suggests that this removal was purposeful, instead of due to post-depositional damage.
Side 2: Inscription 'hONORIVS PP IIII' (in three lines). PP is an abbreviation for 'pastor pastorum', meaning 'shepherd of the shepherds'. The letters have curled serifs, with elaborate decoration emphasizing each P in 'PP'.
The bulla measures 40.13 mm in diameter, 5.18 mm thick and weighs 40.64 grams. It is in good condition, except for removed edges described below; the lead alloy has developed an overall pale buff patina. For similar bulla of Honorius IV on the PAS database, cf. IOW-AFE665 and CAM-1A7AF8.
Notes:
Tim Pestell has commented: "Papal bulls came as two basic types, according to the contents of the document: Tituli, or "Letters of Grace", essentially granted or confirmed rights, conferred benefices or promulgated statutes. They generally had their lead bullae attached with cords of silk. Mandamenta, or "Letters of Justice" were mandates that conveyed papal orders, prohibitions or injunctions, and had their bullae attached by hemp threads" (excerpt from PAS record: IOW-AFE665).
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Period to: MEDIEVAL [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Date from: Circa AD 1285
Date to: Circa AD 1287
Dimensions and weight
Thickness: 5.18 mm
Weight: 40.64 g
Diameter: 40.13 mm
Quantity: 1
Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead Alloy [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Manufacture method: Cast [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Completeness: Incomplete [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Spatial data
Region: South East And London
County: West Sussex
District: Arun
Parish: Littlehampton
Restricted 4 Figure grid reference: TQ0202
The map has been degraded and provides an approximate location with a degree of random obfuscation.
Grid reference source:
Grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
Method of discovery: Metal detector
[scope notes]
Personal details
Found by: This information is restricted for your login.
Recorded by: Liz WALKER
- [
view all attributed records]
Identified by: Miss Stephanie Smith - [view all attributed records]
Other reference numbers
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Audit data
Created:
Thursday 26th January 2012
Updated: Tuesday 31st January 2012
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