MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX

1250

A complete lead alloy vssica shaped seal matrix dating to the medieval period. The seal matrix is well preserved and the design appears to have been engraved; locally produced seals of this period were often engraved (Harvey & McGuiness 1996:83). The reverse of the seal has an integrally moulded suspension loop but is otherwise plain and undecorated. The design consists of a central vesica-shaped panel containing a fleur-de-lys, with thick central stem, fronged top stem and a small cross or miniature fleurs sprouting from either side of the base of the top stem. Around the outside edge of the matrix is an inscription in Latin. The inscription starts at the base of the matrix, if the fleurs is held upright. The inscription appears to read: S' ALICE FIL' ROB' BA[RI]COT, which translates to 'Seal of Alice, daughter of Rob(ert) Ba[ri]cot'. The lettering in the middle of the last word is hard to read due to damage. No record of a Robert Baricot or Robert of Baricot could be found in a preliminary search of the available resources and it is unclear whether the last word is a placename or surname. This type of matrix would date to from the middle to late 13th century AD.