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Description: | A copper-alloy seal matrix, circular and with a diameter of 32.4mm. The reverse of the matrix is conical and would have extended into a handle, but is now broken at a length of 21.2mm. The matrix has a mid green patina and is worn.
The design (described from the impression) has a legend round the edge which reads: ?? + [--]IIIEII CAMERARII VILLE [B]RVICI??, interpreted as ??the seal of the Chamberlain of the Town of Berwick??. The legend is divided from the central design by a raised circle. Within the circle is a sexfoil with a rose superimposed on it. There is a central rectangular flag with the flagpole emerging from top and bottom. The flag bears the three lions or leopards passant gardant of England, one on each row, all facing left. Below the flag is a bear for Berwick, also facing left. On either side of the flag is a sprig of foliage.
The matrix has been matched by Dr Robert Collins to a surviving impression on a document held by Durham Cathedral (Miscellaneous Charter Number 950). The document is dated to 1365 and tells us that this seal matrix was used by William de la Val who was Chamberlain of Berwick from 1364, and referred to as ??sigillum officii mei camerarii??.
A photograph of the Durham Cathedral seal is published in Archaeologia Aeliana, series 3, Vol XVI (1919) p. 199 and pl. VI, seal number 3730.
Inscription: + [--]IIIEII CAMERARII VILLE [B]RVICI | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Cooper, Amy - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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