A treasure skilled is interesting for native historians to unravel a thriller across the proprietor of a medieval seal matrix.
The thirteenth or 14th Century silver matrix – used to stamp an impression on wax seals – was found by a detectorist in March final 12 months close to Hedenham, Norfolk,
Its inscription reveals it was the “Seal of John of Hedenham”, however Norfolk’s finds liaison officer Helen Geake stated: “It is actually tough to search out out who this particular person was.”
“I hope somebody within the village would possibly do a little bit of investigation, together with wanting on the lists of parish clergymen to search out out extra about him,” she stated.
The seal was discovered near the village the place he as soon as lived, Dr Geake added.
“I’ve reached the restrict of what I can do, with out being a specialist within the native historical past of Hedenham,” she stated.
One supply which may show helpful is the listing of parish clergymen, however she stated only a few of them are put on-line, so it requires a go to to the church.
“In fact, he may not be a vicar, but when so, we are able to rule that out,” she stated.
Dr Geake has found a John of Hedenham witnessed a deed, however the doc is undated.
If it was signed earlier than the thirteenth Century or after the 14th Century, it may have a completely totally different man – added to which “there are lots of Johns” within the Center Ages, she defined.
The 23mm by 18.8mm discover is simply the fifth flat shield-shaped silver seal matrix to be recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database because it started in 1997.
Its proprietor would have used the matrix to stamp an impression on wax to authenticate paperwork.
Dr Geake added: “It is commonplace to search out medieval seals with a spot title, but it surely’s not widespread to search out them within the very village, as a result of it is extra probably you’d lose them while you have been travelling.”
The discover is the topic of a treasure inquest and Norwich Citadel Museum and Artwork Gallery is hoping to amass it.
Observe Norfolk information on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
