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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: KENT-D5E979
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 at the top of a raised ridge. The suspension loop is broken across its width. On the front is an engraved central eight petalled flower. This is surrounded by a legend which starts at twelve o'clock and runs retrograde (anti-clockwise) around the matrix so it would appear the right way round when used. It reads "*S'RICARDI.FIL.h'ERICI'. The 'AR' and 'ER' are ligated (two letters being combined). This translates as 'Seal of Richard son of Henry'. The initial mark is formed by five armed star with the arms pointing slightly clockwise. The matrix is heavily patinated an off white coloured typical of patinated lead
Dimensions: 25.01mm in diameter, 8.42mm thick (inc suspension loop, 3.06mm thick) and 12.92g 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:
*RICARD.FIL.h'ERICI
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: 8.42 mm
Weight: 12.92 g
Diameter: 25.01 mm
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead
Decoration style: Floral
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: Incised or engraved or chased
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Kent (County)
District: Canterbury (District)
Parish or ward: Wickhambreaux (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: TR2260
Four figure Latitude: 51.29582559
Four figure longitude: 1.18293106
1:25K map: TR2260
1:10K map: TR26SW
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 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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