Issue 39 Sept 23 - Journal - Page 79
Rare medieval seal matrix that
promised a ‘fast track’ to Heaven
goes on display at its original
home after 500 years
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Buried in a field for over 500 years, medieval seal matrix originated at once wealthy Augustinian priory
Seal was used to authenticate indulgences which were written pardons for sinful behaviour and buy time off in
purgatory before entrance to Heaven
Seal matrix is only one of its kind in the UK to be reunited with its original home - Mottisfont in Hampshire
Found near site of former medieval market where a canon may have gone to sell indulgences
Now a romantic house with garden, Mottisfont will display the seal matrix for visitors from 29 July
The matrix, which is made of cast copper-alloy and dates
between 1470 and 1520 was found by a metal detectorist
just two miles away in the parish of Lockerley, which had
been the site of a former medieval market.
Indulgences were written pardons for sinful behaviour
granted by religious institutions like Mottisfont in return
for a financial donation. They removed one year and
forty days off the purchaser’s time in purgatory after
death while they waited for entrance to Heaven. The
documents were certified with a wax impression created
by the carving on the seal matrix when pressed into hot
coloured wax.
The small carved mould, measuring just 60mm x 40mm,
is likely to have been used to authenticate indulgences
when Mottisfont was an important Augustinian priory
and a site of pilgrimage.
The seal matrix is inscribed in Latin with sigillu[m] officii
prioris p[ri]oretas sce trinitat[is] de Motesfont, which
means Seal of the Official of the Prior of the Priory of
Mottisfont. It features a carved depiction of the Trinity
A rare medieval seal matrix that lay buried in a field for
over 500 years is to go on show at its original home, the
National Trust’s Mottisfont in Hampshire.
Above, Mottisfont - medieval seal matrix, National Trust Images, James Beck
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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