SEAL MATRIX

Copper alloy flat pointed oval seal matrix that has a truncated loop on the top of the reverse. The face is finely decorated with a female figure standing in a long dress that reaches to the floor, there is a gathering of cloth in the front of her body that would be the seam of her garments, then a further gating of cloth either side which is adorned with small stamped chevrons in order to give the impression of a fur lined clothing. Her head is finely detailed with pellet eyes, a defined nose and slot mouth; surrounding her head are angled straight lines the depict a head covering such as a wimple. Her left hand he held at her chest, possibly with one or two fingers raised (the detail is obscured by encrusted mud). While the left hand is held out to the side of her body holding up a squirrel that has a large curled bushy tail. She is shown standing on an animal, possible a dog or ermine.

Behind the figure and at waist height is a slightly arched line.

Running around the item is the inscription that begins with a star then a bird and reads KAThI[.] DE STANLINGE

The recorder is indebted to Malcolm Jones for his help in identifying the inscription who comments

'The 2nd half of the legend reads DE STANLINGE -- the placename will presumably have ended up as modern Stanley [see further below]. The 1st half of the legend begins with the customary S' followed by the lady's forename, which cannot but be some spelling of Katherine -- the first KAT is easy enough to make out but then there seems to be a letter less gap before what looks like an 'h' followed by ?I -- perhaps we're dealing with an abbreviated form of the name? e.g. KATh'I[N]

There is a "Stanling" listed in conjunction with Newent -- so presumably a Stanling also in Glos -- so that King's/Leonard Stanley would seem to be indicated -- in a charter of Henry II [12C] confirming a grant of the manor of Newent. '(Malcolm Jones, 2019, Pers comm. 15th March)