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Description: | A Medieval (1200-1300) copper alloy pointed-oval seal matrix with a pierced lug to the reverse, measuring 46.87mm in length, 29.12mm in max.width, 11.12mm in max.depth and weighing 25.81g.The seal matrix depicts a probably secular building with four sections/ storeys and a triangular pointed roof above, a turret to either side. On the ground floor an arched doorway is flanked by mouldings and columns. The next storey has three arcced windows, the central one of which is larger than the outer two. Above is another arched window, with a quatrefoil window to either side. Directly below the pointed roof is a row of vertical mouldings, presumably representing wooden supports for the roof which would have enabled the sound of the bells to ring out (John Cherry pers.comm. October 2013).Around, the inscription reads + SIGILL' CONVENT D' CORNEWRThI (the seal of the convent of Cornworthy) with triple stops between the words. A small priory convent was established in the parish of Cornworthy, Devon around 1238, and was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536.To the reverse is a raised central expanding line, from a point to 4.76mm wide at the opposite end. At this point is a pierced D-shaped lug with a triangular moulding below. The die is 3.73mm thick (without loop).Of this seal matrix Rob Webley and Laura Burnett comment "the legend, based on coins, might suggest date right at the end of the C13th; the building could easily be earlier that century, consistent with the foundation of the priory" (pers.comm. 2013). John Cherry adds "It looks well worn and I think could be early as 1238, though this would need more thought" (pers.comm.2013). John Allan further comments "I too think this must be Cornworthy Priory, the small Augustinian nunnery in the lower Dart valley, between Dartmouth & Totnes. Incidentally, although not much is known about Cornworthy Priory, it does feature in one of the most exciting stories about a medieval English nun - the tearaway Alice de Flixthorpe of Stamford Priory (Lincolnshire). Eileen Power tells the story in Medieval English Nunneries. She was so much trouble, repeatedly escaping from her nunnery, turning up in men's clothing, completely impenitent after excommunication etc, that she was taken as far from trouble as possible and Cornworthy was chosen as her new home. After months in shackles and years of isolation it seemed that her spirit was broken, so she was returned to Lincolnshire. But as Eileen Power puts it, 'her native air blew hope and rebellion into that wild heart' and she was soon back to her old tricks! The end of the story is not known" (pers.comm. October 2013).
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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