seal matrix

Finds Tray: Medieval seal matrix

This is a medieval seal matrix, made of copper alloy, that was recently found by a metal-detectorist near the village of Patrick Brompton in North Yorkshire. The matrix’s handle extends out from the die in a pinched bell shape with…

Finds Tray: Silver seal matrix

This unusual silver seal matrix dates to the medieval period, but has reused a Roman intaglio as part of its design. It was discovered by a metal-detectorist in September 2024 at Gosfield, north of Braintree in Essex. Oval in plan,…

IMAGE: © Kent County Council, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Finds tray – Seal of Matilda de Cornhill

Seal matrices are inscribed, flat-bottomed metal items used to make impressions on wax to create ‘seals’ – marks of authentication commonly appended to medieval documents. They are made, typically, of lead or copper-alloy and, more rarely, of precious metal. This…

Image: West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service

Highlights of the latest Treasure Report

The most recent Treasure Annual Report, which covers finds made in 2018, has been released by the British Museum. In total, 1,094 cases were reported as Treasure for that year, comprising over 20,906 individual artefacts. Of those reported, 347 have…