seal matrix

This is a matrix used for making seals; it bears the coat of arms of the City of Norwich. It has a hinged plate with a hole on the back allowing the user to slot the item into the bottom of a wooden handle, creating a handheld stamper. It was stamped into a pool of melted wax, on an attached document.

There have been many different types of matrices throughout history. In Roman times, they were usually found on rings, which often incorporated engraved gemstones. Later, in the medieval period, a matrix typically took the form of a flat metal disc with an extension on the back for holding. Round, oval and pointed-oval shapes were most common, with the latter often being used specifically as personal seals. Many, including this one, have holes in the back, so that they could be carried around on a cord or chain for safety and used to indicate an individual’s authority.

Seals were used to authenticate documents such as letters, certificates, wills or legal agreements acting like a modern signature. Only a small portion of society could write at this time, and so seals were used to prove that a specific person had witnessed and agreed to what had been recorded. Anyone who conducted business requiring legal documentation would have used a seal - from the king to common tradesmen. Old matrices were defaced when no longer current so that they could not be used to falsify documents. The seals were attached to these documents in a variety of ways. Some were applied directly onto the document, while others known as pendant seals were hung from it. The simplest way of attaching a pendant seal was to cut part-way along the bottom of the parchment, leaving a small strip hanging loose. The seal was then applied to this strip and this method was referred to as ‘sur simple queue’ (‘on a simple tail’). Alternatively, a pendant seal could be hung from a cord or lace which was itself threaded through the parchment. The weight added by a pendant seal could however cause the parchment to tear, separating the seal from the document. To avoid this, a new method was adopted known as ‘sur double queue’ (‘on a double tail’). This was slightly more complicated as it involved folding up the bottom edge of the document and cutting some horizontal slits into it. A strip of parchment or other material (often silk) was then threaded through these slits, and the seal was applied on top. Just as you may find more than one signature on a document today, more than one seal could be applied depending on the circumstance.

The design reflected the individual or institution it represented. As heraldry was the principal method of identifying noble families, these devices and symbols were often incorporated into seals along with an inscription. Similarly, a group or corporation, such as a trade guild or monastery, would have a single seal that represented them collectively. The wide use of seals meant that they were made from a wide range of materials depending on the owner. Poorer individuals owned seals made of base metals such as lead or copper alloy, with crudely cut, simpler designs. Those with greater wealth and status owned elaborately crafted matrices made of rarer silver or gold.

This matrix contains the arms of the City of Norwich, which includes a three-towered castle, and a walking lion. Though some changes occurred the imagery on the city’s seal remained largely the same until the 16th century. The castle is the keep of Norwich Castle, a 12th century palace erected by Henry I and a symbol of royal power and justice at the centre of the city. The fleur-de-lis and the lion were symbols of the English monarchy in the 15th century and reflected the royal authority imbued in the corporation of the city of Norwich.

The Latin inscription around the edge reads ‘S[IGILLUM] OFFICII CAMERAR[IORUM] CIVITALIS NORWICI’, which translates as ‘seal of the office of the Chamberlain of the City of Norwich’. It was common for ‘sigillum’ (meaning seal) to be shortened to ‘S’, followed by the owner’s name. Other words and phrases, including names, were often shortened in many cases which can make them difficult to decipher. Many seals are also corroded or damaged which can hinder our understanding but, luckily, this one is in excellent condition.

Chamberlains were important and powerful officials with high social status. One role of a city chamberlain was to manage the accounts of the city, controlling and recording all of the money being paid in and out. Royal and noble families along with bishops and other religious institutions also had chamberlains, who were in charge of managing these large households. This seal matrix is recorded as being purchased in 1448, five shillings being paid for the ounce of silver and the workmanship. In June of that year, the king honoured Norwich with a visit and great preparations were made to receive him. The matrix may have been created specifically in association with the visit.