British Iron Age Coins, Ancient Coins, and Antiquities

Early 14th century, bronze pointed oval seal matrix, 33mm by 21mm, suspension loop at top behind; inscription reads s th e capll i de henehale (seal of Thomas, chapel of Holme Hale), Mary holding infant Christ within arched gable supported by pillars each side, figure of priest below with hands in prayer. Good very fine with an olive-green patina £800-£1,000

found near North Pickenham, Norfolk (3 miles southeast of Swaffham), in May 2023

The priory of St Andrew and the Virgin Mary at Holme Hale dates from the Norman period and was situated in a small village 5 miles southeast of Swaffham; all that remains is the church. In 1304 Thomas le Bygod was confirmed as prior, being formerly a monk at Walden Abbey; the size of this seal would be indicative of that status (cf. An essay towards a Topographical History of the County of Norfolk, volume 2, 1805).