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Histories of Northamptonshire
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Medieval Seal Matrix

Medieval 1200 - 1350 Medieval to Tudor

A medieval silver-gilt seal matrix. Used to create wax impressions on documents, this is a rare example in the name of a medieval woman.

Face of Silver-Gilt seal matrix (rhs) alongside mould of seal when pressed into wax © NMAG
Face of Silver-Gilt seal matrix (rhs) alongside mould of seal when pressed into wax
Rear of seal matrix with fleur de lis design and loop for hanging on a cord © NMAG
Rear of seal matrix with fleur de lis design and loop for hanging on a cord

It is very rare to find a medieval seal matrix which records not only a named individual, but also one that is a woman.

This complete gilded silver seal matrix dating from 1200 to1350 was found in Dodford. It would have belonged to a woman of aristocratic standing or an important ecclesiastic woman.

A seal matrix is used for making an impression in wax to authenticate a document or to keep it closed and would only have been used by someone important. The face is finely decorated with a central motif composed of two male figures, facing each other with a central staff or sceptre. The inscription around the outer edge of the seal matrix reads *SIGILLVM:AMABILI‹ which translates as ‘the Seal of Amabile’ or ‘Amabilis’, a woman’s name. Although there is no last name it has been suggested that it could have belonged to Amabel de Chacombe, Lady Segrave, (1210-1283). She was closely associated with the village of Chacombe, about 15 miles from the findspot. Amabel de Chacombe was a woman of high-status, as her father founded the Priory at Chacombe.

Number 40 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.

Dodford
Contributed by NMAG

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