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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: KENT-3FF266
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete but worn and abraded flat lead non-heraldic personal seal matrix of Medieval date c.AD 1200-1350.
Description: The matrix is flat and circular in plan and with an incomplete suspension loop at the top of the reverse side formed by a cast lug now mostly abraded down. On the front is an engraved central four petalledflower. This is surrounded by a legend which starts at twelve o'clock and runs retrograde (anti-clockwise) around the matrix. It read +S'THOME C F PERS (Seal of Thomas son of Percy). The initial mark is formed by four dots formed into a cross. The reverse, in addition to the suspension loop has three raised ridges dividing it into three roughly even thirds The matrix is heavily patinated a dark grey and has a large crack obscured by patination across it.
Dimensions: 25.81mm in diameter, 5.82mm thick (inc suspension loop) and 8.86g in weight.
Discussion: This matrix fits with a group of commonly reported simple lead personal seal matrices dating to the 13th - mid 14th, such as FAKL-B62DED. This group with relatively simple non-heraldic designs and crude personal inscriptions belong to the 13th- early 14th century (Harvey and McGuinness 1996. 79-80).
Class:
personal
Sub class: man
Inscription:
+S'THOME C F PERS
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Middle
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Middle
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1350
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 5.82 mm
Weight: 8.86 g
Diameter: 25.81 mm
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: Incised or engraved or chased
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Kent (County)
District: Folkestone and Hythe (District)
Parish or ward: Lyminge (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: TR1640
Four figure Latitude: 51.11855516
Four figure longitude: 1.08497369
1:25K map: TR1640
1:10K map: TR14SE
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey, P.D.A. and McGuinness, A. | 1996 | A Guide to British Medieval Seals | London | British Library and Public Record Office |
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Timeline of associated dates
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