SEAL MATRIX

Unique ID: IHS-F8B5F3

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

Notes:

Device is found on lead and copper alloy matrices of the period. Legend is more unusual; it incorporates a name from Romance literature, Isolde. Isolde (also known as Iseult, Yseut, Isotta and many other variants of the name) was the wife of King Mark of Cornwall. Unfortunately, her maid gave a love potion intended for Isolde and her husband to Isolde and one of her husband's knights, Tristan, in error; as a result, an adulterous affair between the couple developed. The tale enjoyed considerable popularity in the mediaeval period across Europe; versions exist in many languages, including French, Icelandic and Georgian (former USSR), resulting in the popularity of the name amongst the populace. The tale is refered to on another copper alloy thirteenth century Yorkshire matrix found at Riccall (see IHS-F5C472).

Class: personal
Sub class: woman
Inscription: *S' ISOLDE D TOVTHORP

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 1300

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 26.5 mm
Width: 17.5 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 10th October 2004

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

Other reference: Originally York Sealmat 74a

Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast