Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Objects of Vertu

An early 14th century silver oval seal matrix, the hexagonal shaft surmounted by a hexagonal suspension loop, with double collar below and quatrefoil punch mark behind, the seal engraved with the arms of Turberville (crowned lion rampant left on shield), the legend reading ‘secretvm.alicie:de:t’, dimensions 22 x 17 x 23mm. £2,000-£3,000

The seal was found in 2006 at Little Offley in Hertfordshire and has been disclaimed under the Treasure Act.

The Turbervilles are said to be descended from Sir Payne de Turberville, who came over from France with William the Conqueror in 1066. The name Turberville is reference to the family’s place of residence in Normandy prior to the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Sir Payne was granted lands in Wales, with later descendants established in Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire by the early 13th century. Their coat of arms is ‘Argent, a lion rampant gules, crowned or’.
Agnes (called Alice) de Turberville (circa 1302-60), was the daughter of Sir Payne de Turberville II, Sheriff of Glamorgan (1281-1318). She was born in Coity, Glamorgan and married Sir John de la Bere and had seven children and is believed to have died in Cornwall.