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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: BERK-A752A4
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A cast copper alloy seal matrix, dating to the 12th century and surviving in very good condition. The matrix is circular and has an integrally cast suspension loop above the beginning of the inscription. The reverse is plain. The inscription on the front, around the outer circumference of the matrix, survives in very good condition and is easily read once imprinted. The inscription begins with a cross pettée and continues 'SIGILL.ROGERI.DE.MVLINS' (Seal of Roger De Mulins). There are two circular fields within this inscription, the first comprises a ring of dots and the second, the inner most field, contains a variation of a cross moline or possibly a cross ancrée.
During the late 12th century, Roger De Moulins was the Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St John who died during the sacking of Jerusalem by the Saracens in AD 1187. Variations of the two crosses used on this seal were used by the Order during this period.
Notes:
Pamela Willis of the Museum of the Order of St John says that "this could well be a seal of Roger de Moulins - not the official seal of the Master of the Hospital (as the head of the Hospitallers was known - or sometimes the 'custos' - in the 12th century), but his 'secretum', his own seal, which could be used as a counterseal. Roger de Moulins was in England between early February and mid-April AD 1184/85. He was present at a meeting of Henry II's court in Reading in February AD 1185, together with the Patriarch of Jerusalem, who consecrated the Temple Church in London on 10th February, and the Hospitallers' church at Clerkenwell on 10th March. So Roger de Moulins was at least in Berkshire in AD 1184/85. The main Hospitaller estate in Berkshire was at Greenham (in the old parish of Thatcham), the manor being granted by Maud, Countess of Clare during the reign of Henry II."
It is possible that de Moulins visited the preceptory in Greenham during this time. Although the seal was found to the west of Newbury it is possible that the seal was lost during de Moulin's visit to England. The seal is of a type that dates to the later 12th century which fits in nicely with de Moulin's visit to Berkshire in early AD 1184/85.
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Exactly AD 1184
Date to: Exactly AD 1185
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 1.98 mm
Weight: 12.4 g
Diameter: 32.17 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 1st January 2001 - Thursday 12th August 2010
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: 2010.610
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: West Berkshire (Unitary Authority)
District: West Berkshire (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Welford (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SU3971
Four figure Latitude: 51.43666179
Four figure longitude: -1.44032513
1:25K map: SU3971
1:10K map: SU37SE
Grid reference source: Centred on parish
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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