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BULLA

Unique ID: WAW-795AD2

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

A complete lead papal bulla of Martin IV dating to the Medieval period (AD 1281-85). The obverse is cast with MAR//TINVS//.PP.IIII. in relief, with an omega above the 'P's. This face has a near vertical crack running through the centre. The reverse is more worn but it is possible to see the depictions of St Peter on the right looking left and St Paul on the left looking right. Both are depicted with their own beaded border with a cross centrally placed between them. Above is the partially visible inscription: SPA SPE (SPA = Sanctus Paulus, SPE = Sanctus Petrus). Around the edge of the bulla is an incomplete beaded border. The object has a light cream to brown patina.

Comparable examples recorded on the PAS database include: NMS-AA8C3E; WMID-843708; and IOW-5C6967.

The overall dimensions are as follows: 33.5mm in length, 31mm in width, 4.6mm in thickness and 33.59g in weight.

Notes:

Photographs and information kindly supplied by the finder during the third Covid-19 lockdown period.

Inscription: MAR//TINVS//.PP.IIII. SPA SPE

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Exactly AD 1281
Date to: Exactly AD 1285

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 33.5 mm
Width: 31 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 33.59 g

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 12th May 2021

Personal details

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Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete

Spatial metadata

Region: West Midlands (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Worcestershire (County)
District: Wychavon (District)
Parish or ward: Elmley Lovett (Civil Parish)

Spatial coordinates

4 Figure: SO8770
Four figure Latitude: 52.32793621
Four figure longitude: -2.1921792
1:25K map: SO8770
1:10K map: SO87SE
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
General landuse: Cultivated land

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

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Audit data

Recording Institution: WAW
Created: 2 years ago
Updated: 2 years ago

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