Museum of Island History
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Medieval Seal Matrix
A seal matrix was used to make a mark in hot wax to seal letters and documents. The letter
could not be opened without breaking the seal. The seal usually identified who the letter was
from.
This seal matrix was found near Arreton by a local metal detectorist in 2006. The find was
reported to Frank Basford (Finds Liaison Officer of the Portable Antiquities Scheme) and
declared as Treasure.
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The seal matrix is over seven hundred years old, dating from the late thirteenth to early
fourteenth century.
The seal matrix reads SIGILL WALTERI DE LONGEDVNE (Seal of Walter of Longdown). The seal
matrix may have belonged to a wealthy Medieval Islander, but unfortunately there are many
Longdowns in the south of England so we cannot accurately state whereabouts Walter came
from. (Longdown is a common name for a long chalk down).
fourteenth century.
The seal matrix reads SIGILL WALTERI DE LONGEDVNE (Seal of Walter of Longdown). The seal
matrix may have belonged to a wealthy Medieval Islander, but unfortunately there are many
Longdowns in the south of England so we cannot accurately state whereabouts Walter came
from. (Longdown is a common name for a long chalk down).
The case and surround of the seal matrix is made of silver. The matrix would have been worn
around the neck.
around the neck.
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The Intaglio (Carved Gem)
Walter of Longdown chose a very fine intaglio for the centre of his seal matrix. The red jasper
gem was engraved in the Roman Period around the first century AD. The intaglio would have
come originally from Italy or the East but where Walter obtained it from will probably remain a
mystery. Roman intaglios of this high quality are very rare.
gem was engraved in the Roman Period around the first century AD. The intaglio would have
come originally from Italy or the East but where Walter obtained it from will probably remain a
mystery. Roman intaglios of this high quality are very rare.
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| | Seal impression |
The intaglio shows the Goddess Victory standing on a globe. (Victory was a Roman goddess
who would crown the victorious with a wreath made from leaves). She is winged and holds a
wreath in her right hand and a palm-branch in her left. In front of her there are three stars
and a crescent moon, which represent eternity.
The carving probably represents the eternity of Imperial Victory. The goddess Victory was
very popular with the Roman army. The engraving could represent how the Roman Empire
believed they would be victorious and rule the world forever!
Similar images have been found in the Temple of Sulis Minerva at Bath.
who would crown the victorious with a wreath made from leaves). She is winged and holds a
wreath in her right hand and a palm-branch in her left. In front of her there are three stars
and a crescent moon, which represent eternity.
The carving probably represents the eternity of Imperial Victory. The goddess Victory was
very popular with the Roman army. The engraving could represent how the Roman Empire
believed they would be victorious and rule the world forever!
Similar images have been found in the Temple of Sulis Minerva at Bath.
Walter of Longdown was probably a wealthy, well educated man of the Middle Ages.
He would most probably have been aware of the Roman meaning of the engraving.
However he could have easily re-interpreted the figure as an angel and the stars as
the heavens glorifying in the birth of Jesus Christ.
He would most probably have been aware of the Roman meaning of the engraving.
However he could have easily re-interpreted the figure as an angel and the stars as
the heavens glorifying in the birth of Jesus Christ.
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The seal matrix was purchased by the Isle of Wight Heritage Service in 2007 with assistance
from The Art Fund and the MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund.
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LocationGuildhall High Street Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1TY 01983 823366 | Bookings and Enquiries Isle of Wight Heritage Service Guildhall Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1TY 01983 823433 | Opening TimesThe Museum of Island History is open throughout the year. Please contact 01983 823366 for Christmas opening times. Tue 10.30 – 4.00 Thur 10.30 – 4.00 |
Page last updated on: 25/08/2011
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