Record ID: BUC-045BBD
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Milton Keynes
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A copper alloy medieval seal matrix, dating from c. AD 1200-1400. The seal face is round in shape, with the die depicting a central IHC surmounted by an altar and cross. Running around the edge of the seal face is the inscription 'IESVS?ASE?E ' . The seal extends up into the handle which is a hexagonal shape in cross section. The attachment loop is trefoil shaped, with three raised oval collars below, the central one is in higher relief to the others. The seal matrix is a grey brown colour, and measures 23.7mm in length, 19.3mm in diameter, and weighs 9.09g.
Created on: Tuesday 29th January 2019
Last updated: Friday 8th February 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SF-458829
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Hertfordshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete lead-alloy Medieval seal matrix, dating to AD 1250-1350. It is circular in plan and bears a D-shaped lug on its back; the lug has a circular hole. The die has a cast central motif depicting a basic swirl consisting of a central dot, which is surrounded by six short crescent-shaped elements; the legend around the swirl reads [S' R]ICARD MAROIN ("Seal of Richard Maroin"). The seal matrix is damaged on the edge, missing a small portion close to the lug. MAROIN could be for MARION - Reaney, DBS s.n. Marion, gives Mariun (1279) and Marioun (1350), but Withycombe [ODECN 3rd…
Created on: Monday 15th October 2018
Last updated: Wednesday 18th December 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Reed', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SF-76451F
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A copper-alloy Medieval seal matrix, dating to AD 1200-1400. It is flat and is pointed oval in plan. It has a pierced integral lug protruding at the back of one of the pointed end; the lug is set at right angle to the face of the matrix. The matrix itself has a central motif probably depicting a draped figure/arm of a figure holding a crozier; around the motif, the legend reads : S' [...]LDARE (N)[...]. Elizabeth New (pers. com. 28/09/21) suggests that 'this is almost certainly an official seal (probably conventual seal) of a Cistercian monastery, or a very good contemporary forg…
Created on: Friday 5th October 2018
Last updated: Tuesday 28th September 2021
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'West Bergholt', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: LEIC-FB21D2
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Rutland
Workflow stage: Published
Medieval copper alloy seal matrix, 20mm long, 4mm thick, with a matrix 17mm in diameter and weighing 7.21g. The object has a triangular terminal, housing a circular suspension hole, sitting above a slight collar on top of a hexagonal shaft. This widens out to accomodate a circular matrix surface at its base. The matrix is engraved with a squirrel with bushy tail surrounded by a plain unbeaded line and an inscription. Malcolm Jones has identified this as * IEO: VOIS: A BOIS the legend can be translated as "I'm going to the wood". Anonymous seal matrices with mottoes are generally da…
Created on: Tuesday 13th June 2017
Last updated: Wednesday 10th January 2018
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: WMID-962ED9
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A gold annular brooch dating to the 13th - 14th centuries. The brooch is circular with a D-shaped cross section. The reverse is flat and the upper face convex. The frame has a constriction for the pin placed at 12 o'clock with the inscription starting at 1 o'clock. The front has incised letters in capitals reading IESVICIY or IESVICIR. The interior side of the frame is decorated with punched rings. The pin is an elongated triangle which is curled around the constriction forming the attachment loop. The pin has a horizontal rib in light relief to form a collar at the inside edge. There…
Created on: Thursday 9th June 2016
Last updated: Friday 8th June 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Coltishall', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SWYOR-09A80B
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: North Yorkshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A copper alloy Medieval seal matrix dating from AD 1250 - 1450. It is a pedestal matrix with a circular face, and a faceted conical handle terminating in a lozenge shaped knop, pierced by a circular hole. There is an incised star on the back acting as an orientation mark to show the user where the legend begins. The central motif is an anchor, but inverted, so the the base of the anchor aligns with the initial mark and orienation mark. The legend reads: "+ SV VOVTRE L'AMITIS". Malcolm Jones has kindly examined this record and suggests that the last letter is an engraver's error for an…
Created on: Wednesday 27th April 2016
Last updated: Tuesday 10th May 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NLM-4C34E1
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: North Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Copper alloy seal matrix. Cast circular matrix with a short facetted hexagonal handle surmounted by a triple collar with smaller subsidiary collars at the springing of a quatrefoil suspension loop. The matrix bears the central motif of a male bust in profile, truncated at the neck, with a thin straight rod projecting from his mouth. The bust has a large almond shaped eye and tresses of thick but fairly short hair which leaves the nape of the neck uncovered, an image rendered with some assurance. A central part of the image is pitted and the matrix here retains a spot of white material…
Created on: Wednesday 6th April 2016
Last updated: Wednesday 2nd September 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SUR-690FCC
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Surrey
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A medieval gilded annular brooch with a flat frame, slightly rounded on its upper surface. The brooch has an attached pin with a collar which is covered in tiny punched marks. The pin swivels on a constriction on the frame. Around the frame, between bordering lines, is the inscription: + CRAS DABO NON HODIE + V Malcolm Jones kindly comments: The legend reads CRAS DABO NON HODIE (plus the final V -- if indeed a letter - which I am unable to account for). This is inscribed on 8 other late medieval objects -- the most relevant parallels are a French annular brooch reported in th…
Created on: Saturday 26th March 2016
Last updated: Thursday 8th November 2018
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: KENT-F3EDF4
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Kent
Workflow stage: Published
An incomplete tinned or silvered copper-alloy seal matrix dating to the 14th century (Read 2001, 74). The seal matrix has a hexagonally faceted conical handle, narrowing then widening slightly at the top to a small rim. Beyond this the handle is broken. One facet of the body of the matrix has a small arrow as an orientation mark which lines up with the : in the inscription, at the top of the die. At the base the matrix widens significantly to accommodate the die of the matrix which is roughly circular and engraved with a central design, now obscured by damage. This central device i…
Created on: Thursday 25th February 2016
Last updated: Friday 20th May 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: DENO-19434B
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Nottinghamshire
Workflow stage: Published
A copper alloy medieval seal matrix (AD c.1300-c.1400). The seal matrix has a hexagonal die and a hexagonally faceted handle which tapers up to an expanded collar connected to a lozenge-shaped suspension loop. Overall, the seal matrix measures 21.1mm long, 15.4mm wide and 15.4mm thick. It weighs 6.32g. The die is engraved with a central motif which is very hard to identify. It has been described as a sea serpent; it has a distinct rounded body which appears to curve, and it may be a curled-up sleeping animal seen from above. The inscription around the edge is set between beaded …
Created on: Wednesday 16th December 2015
Last updated: Tuesday 24th May 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: BH-C61148
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Hertfordshire
Workflow stage: Published
A copper-alloy conical personal seal matrix, dating from the medieval period. The handle is of hexagonal or pentagonal cross-section (recorded from photographs), extending upwards from behind the die, tapering towards the top, then flaring into an apex loop with three basal collars and iron corrosion in its aperture. The engraved image at the centre of the circular die is that of a ship with central mast, sails and seven projecting oars at the base. The cross at the top of the mast forms the start of the legend which, when printed, extends clockwise from 12 o'clock and reads +hEV O…
Created on: Monday 30th November 2015
Last updated: Tuesday 15th March 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Therfield', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: KENT-DBE36D
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Kent
Workflow stage: Published
A complete cast copper alloy seal matrix of Medieval date. The matrix has a hexagonally faceted conical handle with a rounded terminal that has a circular perforation. The die itself is circular. It has as its central decorative motif a grotesque in the form of a squirrel facing right (on the matrix) with a human face. Around the outside of the motif is a very crude and unclear legend that appears to read * IE SV D[EGI]SE (I am disguised). Compare SF-1BC845, LVPL-AAA290 and KENT-E8D631. The seal matrix measures 16.2mm high, 18.3mm in diameter, 4.9g.
Created on: Friday 14th August 2015
Last updated: Thursday 19th May 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: DOR-B5454D
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Published
A copper-alloy seal matrix with a circular die and a faceted hexagonal handle which tapers along its length to a pointed suspension loop with a circular aperture, now rather worn externally. Below the loop is a raised collar decorated with a double-grooved ridged collar. The die is corroded and encrusted, and worn around the edges, which has obscured the lettering around the edge. The central element is a lion rampant. The inscription appears to start with a cross, and then an unclear letter (or letters) before a well-known inscription reading +[S]VM LEO FORTIS. Dimensions: 25.25 m…
Created on: Sunday 19th July 2015
Last updated: Tuesday 26th April 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: WAW-16E325
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Warwickshire
Workflow stage: Published
Medieval seal matrix, of Medieval date (c. 1300 - c.1400 AD). The copper alloy seal matrix has a circular die, with a tapering handle. The handle has a hexagonal cross section, and terminates with a sub-oval suspension loop, which has a collar beneath. There are no marks on either of the six sides to aid orientation during use. The device depicts an unusual device; the standing lower half of a lion standing, with two profile heads emerging from the top. Facing left (on the impression) is a bearded man, and facing right is a rabbit's head on a long neck, with long ear pressed flat a…
Created on: Thursday 22nd January 2015
Last updated: Friday 20th May 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: WAW-D42D94
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Warwickshire
Workflow stage: Published
Medieval gilded silver annular brooch with surviving pin. The frame is circular, wedge-shaped in cross-section to give a flat inward-sloping surface on either face, and has a construction for the surviving pin. The pin has a groove set between two ridges on one face at the junction of loop and shaft; the shaft appears to have a stamped motif, perhaps a letter O, half way down on both faces. The frame carries an inscription in Lombardic lettering on both faces. The front (judging from the decoration on the pin) reads + AMVR VENT TVTEN (or R), a variant of the common inscription Amor…
Created on: Thursday 2nd October 2014
Last updated: Wednesday 10th August 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SF-52ADB1
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Suffolk
Workflow stage: Published
An incomplete copper-alloy annular brooch of Medieval date. It is missing part of the pin due to old breaks, now worn. The frame is circular, measuring 20.55mm in external diameter and 12.27mm in internal diameter. It is flat and has a rectangular pin constriction around which is the remains of a separately cast copper-alloy pin with an open loop. Parallel to the pin constriction is a rectangular pin groove. The front face of the brooch is inscribed with a lower-case black-letter legend reading domine ne [pin rest] in furore tu[o] (O Lord, do not rebuke me in thine anger). The back…
Created on: Thursday 3rd July 2014
Last updated: Monday 23rd May 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Brome and Oakley', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: CORN-5482E1
Object type: FINGER RING
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Cornwall
Workflow stage: Published
Description: Gold finger-ring with a French inscription engraved around the exterior of the hoop in Gothic or 'black letter' script, reading + tout + dys + en + lealte. The last word and the cross between 'dys' and 'en' are inlaid with white enamel, suggesting that the whole inscription was originally inlaid with white enamel, but that the rest of the enamel has since worn away. The inscription literally translates to "all said in loyalty", but as inscriptions on finger-rings overwhelmingly tend to be amatory, and "tout dys" is also used idiomatically to mean "always, permanently, …
Created on: Friday 28th March 2014
Last updated: Monday 23rd April 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'St Dennis', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NMGW-C8B7F2
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Shropshire
Workflow stage: Published
Gold annular brooch. It comprises a circular frame, now distorted (with a distorted length of 16.0mm, a distorted width of 13.8mm and a weight of 0.8g), and a pin. The frame is of triangular section (0.6mm thick and 1.7mm wide) with a flat undecorated reverse, an inner face and an outer face. The two upper faces are interrupted by two floral devices on opposite sides of the frame, at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. The floral devices comprise a central punched ring between four petals, enhanced with grooves. At 9 o'clock there is a constriction for the pin. The interior side of the frame…
Created on: Tuesday 25th February 2014
Last updated: Friday 8th June 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Shrewsbury Area', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: BH-BB93D2
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Hertfordshire
Workflow stage: Published
A copper-alloy personal seal matrix of Medieval date. The handle is of hexagonal section, extending upwards from behind the printing face, tapering towards the top, where it widens again, terminating in a loop. In general the workmanship is fairly crude. The circular printing face (die) bears an engraved caricature of a human-like figure advancing right (left, when printed). The figure has an overly large head with a curved, upward-projecting crest or pointed hat. The nose has been exaggerated, the lips are prominent and the eye socket is recessed. The legs are located a short dist…
Created on: Friday 31st January 2014
Last updated: Friday 20th May 2016
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-8DCB04
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Published
Medieval copper-alloy seal matrix, flat with median rib ending in a pierced lug at the upper end on reverse. Circular, 20mm. The central motif is a hare riding a hound. The inscription is set between two grooves, and reads ALONE RID' I HAV NO SA (Alone [I] ride I have no s[wain]). Both letters N are retrograde and there is an obscure letter A or perhaps a space-filler at the end of the inscription. 14th century. Other, more complete versions (e.g. SWYOR-8FD7F6) show that the complete inscription is likely to have been a variant of Alone I Ride I Have No Swain.
Created on: Tuesday 5th November 2013
Last updated: Tuesday 26th April 2016
Spatial data recorded.