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Description: | An incomplete Medieval (1250-1300) copper alloy pointed-oval seal matrix with a pierced lug to the reverse and missing a small section of the flan across part of the inscription. It measures 33.10mm in length, 21.23mm in max.width, 8.33mm in max.depth and weighs 8.29g.The matrix depicts a female standing facing with headdress (veil or possibly barbette around the chin and fillet on her head), long skirts, a cloak fastened across her chest by a cord or chain and long sleeves. Her tunic is not fitted at the top, which suggests a 12th/13th century date. The veil and fillet too suggests a similar date. The eyes, nose and line of the headress across the forehead are more visible on the matrix than on the impression. The right arm is clasped to the chest while the left holds a hawk, the jesses hanging down from its legs. Below is an animal, apparently hanging and probably dead (presumably caught by the hawk), and probably a hare or rabbit. Around, and within two beaded lines, is the inscription S'BEATRICIE:W[A-]EnSIS To the reverse the D-shaped loop has a 2.71mm diameter perforation and is 3.09mm thick. Below are two moulded horizontal 'steps' to the flat and plain back of the matrix, which is max.3.16mm thick.The majority of pointed-oval personal seal matrices date from the mid to late 13th century, and are more popular among women than men (see Harvey and McGuinness 1996: 79-88). Given the spacing of the letters in the legend, probably two are missing, and the first appears to have an angled line at the start, possibly an 'A'. Laura Burnett, Somerst FLO, comments 'I'm tempted to read it Walensis, a not uncommon designation and family name (originally 'foreigner' but by this point 'welsh')'. (pers.comm.April 2014). Alternatively, it could be a form of de Warrene, William de Warenne being a cousin of William I and whose family owned land throughout England during this period, as recompense for help at the battle of Hastings. A Beatrice de Warenne is recorded as dying in 1214 and living at Wormegay, Norfolk. Her date of birth isn't known but she was married twice and had at least two children. There is no obvious connection between the findspot and either name.With thanks to Mary Chester-Kadwell for her help with the identification and dating of the costume.
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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