SEAL MATRIX

A complete cast and engraved silver seal matrix of medieval date (c.1200-1300), possibly early 13th century in date (see discussion).

Description: The matrix is a flat pointed oval; the entire of the front consists of the die face. The reverse has an integrally cast shallow raised rib aligned vertically, thickening to a D-shaped suspension lug at the apex. The front is dominated by an inscribed device depicting an enthroned Madonna and Child. The back of the throne is trilobate creating a three-lobed arch framing the upper section of the device. The side arches are rounded, and the upper lobe is more triangular, with straight sides leading to a point with an apex knop. Below the Madonna and Child is the upper half of a robed woman in profile to the left (right when impressed) with hands in front of the face in prayer. She is framed within a Gothic arch (sides curving to a point) which is set in front of a horizontal line which extends to either side; there are vertical lines between the springing point of the arch, and the ends of the horizontal line, and there is a trefoil in each of the spandrels . The praying woman is looking up at the Madonna and Child in adoration.

The device is surrounded by an inscribed legend running retrograde around the circumference of the matrix so as to appear the correct way round on the impression. It reads SIGILL’ MATILD’ DE CORNhVLL', with the apex knop of the upper tressure of arches functioning as the intiial mark. This is an abbreviation of SIGLLIVM MATILDA DE CORNHVLL which translates as Seal of Matilda De Cornhill.

The matrix is in good condition with little oxidisation or other metallic staining. There is slight wear or scratching around part of the edge, visible in side view, though due to the good condition of the matrix it is not possible to be certain as to when this occurred.

Measurements: Length: 26.93mm; width: 17.9mm; thickness (including suspension loop, thickness of die face without 3.21) and weight:9.75g

Discussion: This matrix fits with a group of commonly reported lead, copper-alloy and occasional precious-metal seal matrices dating to the 13th to mid 14th centuries (Harvey and McGuinness 1996, 79-80). Pointed-oval matrices of this period frequently give the names of women or priests. The Madonna and Child (Mary and infant Jesus Christ) is a well-known motif of the period and appears on similar pointed-oval matrices in copper-alloy, e.g. KENT-6EBA2D (which has an anonymous inscription) and KENT-25C1E6 (which has an ecclesiastical inscription). Precious-metal examples reported as treasure include SWYOR-B60B9C (2019T899) which has an anonymous pious inscription, and HESH-B02B8F (2015T975) which has a hybrid personal, pious and security inscription.

The inscription names a Matilda (or Maud) de Cornhill, Matilda and Maud being used interchangeably during the period of its production. There is a slight difficulty here in identifying the historical person referenced as there is a Matilda or Maud De Cornhill listed as being married to William de Wrotham (senior) and another being married to Reginald De Cornhill (active for certain between 1189-1215). No documents have yet been identified using this or a similar matrix. Trying to trace them through the husbands is also problematic, as both had sons or fathers with similar names.

As the matrix looks solidly 13th century it seems likely it belonged to the latter of the two Matildas or Mauds mentioned above; Maud De Cornhill, steward of St. Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury, wife of Reginald De Cornhill, High Sheriff of Kent and constable of Rochester Castle.

Conclusion: It is therefore clear that this object likely dates to before 1721 and as the object is made of more than 10% precious metals, it constitutes potential Treasure under the stipulations of The Treasure Act 1996.