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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: IHS-3ED0A2
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A lead, vesica-shaped (pointed oval) seal matrix, back unseen. Device of a simple eight-petalled flower, petals of varying length adjusting to the maximum dimensions of the device area. Device separated from lettering by a groove; a similar groove marks the outer edge of the matrix face. Measurements: unknown.
The inscription was originally read as +AELIE:MEBY:P[RIORESSA]: (Aelie Meby, Prioress) with this comment: Aelie is probably an abbreviation of Aelienor, the French (Provençal) form of Eleanor, rather than the more common Aalis (modern Alice). Meby appears to be serving as a surname, The expansion of the P is not certain, but is plausible if dealing with a small priory, perhaps containing only a handful of women. For other female religious' matrices, see IHS-EA45A6 and IHS-EA4907.
In fact, the reading of the inscription seems more likely to be + S.' ELIE: MERV.P (or MEPV.P) - the photograph is not clear enough to be certain. This gives the more conventional formula of S for Seal, and Elie, the Latin genitive of the female name Eleanor. The surname is uncertain.
Notes:
This object was not seen by the recorder; the identification was done from a photograph of the front only.
Class:
personal
Sub class: woman
Inscription:
+ S.' ELIE: MERV.P
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Returned to finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: AD 1200
Date to: AD 1400
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 25th May 2003
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: Originally York Sealmat 229
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: North Yorkshire (County)
District: Hambleton (District)
Parish or ward: Bedale (Civil Parish)
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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