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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: WAW-0B8B85
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Medieval seal matrix, (c.1200 - c.1400): The lead or lead alloy seal matrix is complete. The matrix is a pointed oval which has a flat back, but decorated with a bisecting ridge and two small angled ridges either side. The bisecting ridge has an integral, perforated lug at one terminal. The matrix is bent in profile through damage rather than intention.
The device on the die of the matrix is a lis which fills the field. The legend reads + S' : MATILdIS: LE: BLAKE (Seal of Matilda Blake or Matilda Black).
The surface of the matrix is a light grey.
The matrix measures 36.4mm long, 22.14mm wide, 6.13mm thick at the loop and weighs 13.39g.
In Salt (1921,7) there is a reference to Matilda le Blake in Longgedon. In south Worcestershire there is a small village called Longdon, but there is not a reference to Matilda le Blake. The seal matrix was found near Longdon.
Salt, William (Archaeological Society) 1921 Collections for a History of Staffordshire London: Harrison and Sons
Harvey and McGuinness (1996, 79) suggest that small pointed-oval shaped seal matrices become common in the 13th were mainly in use by women, only a tenth of pointed-oval seals were used by men. The use of pointed-oval seals did continue into the 14th century (ibid, 91).
Harvey, P.D.A. and McGuinness, A. 1996 A Guide to British Medieval Seals London: British Library and Public Record Office
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance
Class:
personal
Sub class: woman
Inscription:
S' MATILdIS: LE: BLAKE
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 1400
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 34.4 mm
Width: 22.14 mm
Thickness: 6.13 mm
Weight: 13.39 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Friday 1st January 2016 - Wednesday 8th March 2017
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: Impression no. WAW-0B8B85/138
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: West Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Worcestershire (County)
District: Malvern Hills (District)
Parish or ward: Longdon (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SO8435
Four figure Latitude: 52.01319385
Four figure longitude: -2.23453722
1:25K map: SO8435
1:10K map: SO83NW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1000 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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