BULLA

Medieval Lead Papal Bulla of Gregory IX (1227-41) in poor condition. The bulla is now torn at the centre on its reverse side where the cord was originally attached, and a portion of the lower left-hand side of the obverse is missing. The bulla is worn and bent. The name of the issuing pope is clear enough; although the lettering of GRE//GORIVS is not always clear, the form of the lettering and layout of the bulla is obvious enough to be matched. The 'PP' of the final line is missing, but 'VIIII' is clear. The reverse is more worn and the heads of SS Paul and Peter can only just be made out. The bending and wear makes it impossible to measure the angle of the reverse sealing in relation to the obverse, although it is clearly not well sealed and perhaps in the region of 350-355 degrees. The condition also means that it is impossible to study the die flaws. Bullae of Gregory IX are some of the most common encountered, at least within the Diocese of Norwich, this being the fourteenth example of his to be recorded to date. Gregory was a distinguished canon lawyer and papal legate before becoming pope, and spent much time trying to check the imperial ambitions of Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor, whom he excommunicated before a truce was agreed in 1230.