Rights Holder: Kent County Council
CC License:
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Unique ID: KENT-93236C
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
An incomplete and slightly worn/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. The matrix doesn't have the usual pierced lug at the top of a raised ridge on the reverse or similar as seen on most matrices. Instead likely having a loop at the top of the matrix, where only a small nib remains. On the reverse is a 'fleur de lis' formed by a long upright cross and two scrolls. On the front is an engraved central eight pointed star formed from strokes creating oval rays. This is surrounded by a legend which starts at twelve o'clock and runs retrograde (anti-clockwise) around the matrix. It read "+S'. WILL'I FIL'. EVER'". This translates as 'Seal of WIilliam son of Everett'. The seal matrix is an off white colour with substantial amount of white patination.
Dimensions: 29.19mm long, 27.69mm in wide (diameter without remain of suspension loop) 4.11mm thick and 16.39g 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 KENT-756138. This group of 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'.WILL'I.FIL'.EVER'
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1350
Quantity: 1
Length: 29.19 mm
Width: 27.69 mm
Thickness: 4.11 mm
Weight: 16.39 g
This information is restricted for your access level.
Primary material: Lead
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: Incised or engraved or chased
4 Figure: TQ8156
Four figure Latitude: 51.27439708
Four figure longitude: 0.59353134
1:25K map: TQ8156
1:10K map: TQ85NW
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
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 |