WREX-DB2C7B: Copper alloy vescia seal matrix dating to the late medieval period c. 1400-1500.

Rights Holder: National Museum Wales
CC License:


Rights Holder: National Museum Wales
CC License:

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SEAL MATRIX

Unique ID: WREX-DB2C7B

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation Find awaiting validation

Copper alloy seal matrix of late medieval date c.1400-1500AD, which appears to be a matrix of the Deanery of Brecon.  The seal is a pointed oval (vesica) shape with a pierced lug on the reverse. The central motif, which is surrounded by a plain border,  comprises  a mitred figure vested for Mass standing full-face holding a crosier in the crook of his right arm, a book held up to his chest with his left hand, within an architectural niche. 

The legend reads:

sigillū decani de brekenok

(Seal of the Dean of Brecon).

Dimensions taken from the photographs supplied by the finder.  Length: 43mm; width: 29mm; weight: 27g

Notes:

Thanks to Dr Elizabeth New, Aberystwyth University, for her help with the identification and dating of this object. Dr. New notes that “the Rural Deaneries of St David's weren't created until c.1400, and this could be the first matrix for the Deanery”.

Photographs and weight provided by the finder.

Find of note status

This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance

Inscription: sigillū decani de brekenok

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1400
Date to: Exactly AD 1500

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 43 mm
Width: 29 mm
Weight: 27 g

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Monday 13th May 2019 - Monday 13th May 2019

Personal details

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Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy
Decoration style: Figurative
Completeness: Complete

Spatial metadata

Region: Wales (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Conwy (Unitary Authority)
District: Conwy (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Old Colwyn

Spatial coordinates


Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Gardening
Discovery circumstances: Found while gardening.

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

Audit data

Recording Institution: WREX
Created: 2 years ago
Updated: 2 years ago

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