2024-03-28T16:40:02+00:00https://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/jsonhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/xmlhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/rsshttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/atomhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/kmlhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/geojsonhttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/qrcodehttps://finds.org.uk/database/search/results3120LancashireCountyCastMEDIEVAL1Metal detector297ElenaFilWill.jpg515620064554MD
The script used on the matrix is extremely clear and crisp, in spite of the fact that the legend is inverted in relation to the suspension loop and the opening cross of the legend is actually at the end if the matrix is read from the apex of the vesica, as is the norm. Females' matrices are far less common than those of males at all periods, presumably because women had less need for matrices than their brothers and fathers.
5DistrictCertain4IHS437441300Barnoldswickx14221Pendle110942020-01-19T15:44:04ZNorth West
Lead vesica-shaped (pointed oval) seal matrix. back plain other than intact suspension loop middle bottom. Matrix is in good condition but slightly arched along the longer axis. Device: (Described from impression). Difficult to interpret; may be intended for a trident-shaped fleur-de-lys. Measurements: 41 mm x 23 mm, 5 mm thick.
Helen Geake419IHS-6640B1250718personal1womanOriginally York Sealmat 297MEDIEVALSEAL MATRIXfinds-250718123IHS-663111Complete1200x14221images/iszymanski/S[IGILLUM]' ELENA FIL[IAE]' WILL[HELMI]' (Latin: The seal of Elena (Helena), daughter of William)120554800149C6640701FE642009-03-22T16:15:03ZCertainx1422112006-07-31T23:00:00Z29MEDIEVALLead41431MD129http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/MEDIEVALReturned to finderCertainCivil Parish2022-07-14T07:08:26.135ZLancashireCountyCastMEDIEVAL1Metal detector133aLoveMeA-1.jpg515620041MD
The device of this matrix shows a couple facing each other on either side of a stylized tree. The hairstyle of the man is the only distinctive dateable feature, and this is not enough to date the piece alone. It may be that the woman's rather elongated head is meant to indicate a veil of some sort; if this is the case, a date in the fourteenth century might be appropriate. A lovers' matrix; other matrices of this type carry French legends which are clearly derived from amour courtois such as "She has elevated my heart" (sealmat IHS-A8C1B3, illustrated) or images of lovers of legend such as Tristan and Iseult (sealmat 181). A seal of this type in the Public Record Office was used in 1452 by a knight, Thomas, lord de Roos; judging by its workmanship, this piece probably belonged to a lesser individual, but one who aspired to the pursuits of his or her social superiors.
CertainIHS171400x14221106272020-01-19T14:39:56ZReturned to finderNorth West
Copper alloy circular seal matrix, hexagonal tapering handle with circular suspension loop intact at top. Device of, in the centre, a twig-like tree with a nest at the top; in this, a bird facing left. Either side of this two figures rather crudely drawn: on the left, a young man in profile facing right, clean shaven and with jaw-length curled hair and on the right, a rather long head of a woman in profile facing left, no real details visible. Measurements: 17 mm diameter. Inscription: *LOVE ME A_DE_E (Love me and I thee).
Helen Geake7IHS-F93876112711anonymous1Originally York Sealmat 133aMEDIEVALSEAL MATRIXfinds-1127111IHS-F92E931250x14221images/iszymanski/*LOVE ME A_DE_E181969001436F93860133742005-11-07T17:48:54ZCertainx1422112004-01-20T00:00:00Z29MEDIEVALCopper alloy41431MD129http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/MEDIEVALReturned to finderCertain2022-07-14T07:07:14.167ZLancashireCountyMEDIEVAL1Metal detector117bHornRabbit.jpg515620041MD
An example of a subject often found in the marginalia of mediaeval manuscripts of the period, "the world upside down", i.e., examples of reversals of the accepted norm of the day. Favoured topics included women taking on men's rôles and animals those of humans, as here. This seal illustrates a double joke, for not only is the hare taking on a man's rôle, but a hunting dog is being ridden by his normal prey, a hare, who is holding a hunting horn into the bargain. Matrices of this broad type occur with some regularity; a similar matrix was found recently near Torksey in Lincolnshire (117, IHS-EEC376). The Torksey example has the same hare, with a horn, as here, riding a dog. Although it is not within a frame, the relationship between the two matrices is obvious.
CertainIHS181400x14221106272020-01-19T14:38:55ZReturned to finderNorth West
A copper alloy seal matrix, flat back with raised central midrib and intact suspension loop at top. Device: within two interlacing squares which form an eight-pointed star, a long-eared hare riding a hunting dog, walking right; the hare holds a raised hunting horn. All within a line deliniating the outer edge of the matrix face. Measurements: approximately 18 mm diameter
Helen Geake7IHS-BC0528112520anonymous1Originally York Sealmat 117bMEDIEVALSEAL MATRIXfinds-1125201IHS-BBF8F21250x14221images/iszymanski/LEGE TEGE (Latin: Read, Conceal i.e., "private")181689001436BC051016C342005-11-04T20:10:57ZCertainx142212004-05-19T23:00:00Z29MEDIEVALCopper alloy41431MD129http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/MEDIEVALReturned to finderCertain2022-07-14T07:07:14.084Z