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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: BH-97B085
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A lead seal matrix of Medieval date.
The artefact is circular in plan and of thin section. When printed, the central image is that of an eight-petalled flower head. The legend reads: S'WILL.HAEMEL(lozenge). On the reverse of the bent and corroded object is a partially perforated lug handle. The seal matrix measures 27.2mm in diameter, 2.3mm thick and weighs 10.88g.
The legend on this seal matrix translates as 'Seal of Will Haemel', or, perhaps more likely, as 'Seal of Will of Haemel'. There can be little doubt that 'Haemel' refers to the nearby town of Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire. 'Haemele' has previously been regarded as a possible origin of the modern term 'Hemel', deriving from the name of the district in the 8th century, and probably meaning 'broken, undulating district'. 'Hempstead' probably derives from 'homestead' (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemel_Hempstead). According to Harvey and McGuinness (1996: 79-88), non-heraldic personal seals of this form date from the 13th century.
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance
Class:
personal
Sub class: man
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1300
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 2.3 mm
Weight: 10.88 g
Diameter: 27.2 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 10th November 2010
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: Ver 10/173 - 8
Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Central Bedfordshire (Unitary Authority)
District: Central Bedfordshire (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Houghton Regis
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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