Finds tray – late medieval silver seal matrix

This is a burnt silver seal matrix, dating to the 13th or 14th century, which was found last August by a metal-detectorist near King’s Lynn, Norfolk. Despite the damage, clearly seen in the centre of the matrix is a reused oval Roman intaglio – an unusual addition. It is not known whether the medieval owner would have been aware of the stone’s more ancient origins, but the Finds Liaison Officer who recorded it, Helen Geake, suspects that it might not have been found on a Romano-British site. Instead, it may have been imported from the Mediterranean, perhaps bought on a visit to Rome. IMAGE: Norfolk County Council. The heat damage caused the stone to crack and become an opaque pal