Seal Matrix Impression of the Common Seal of the Borough of Colchester

Seal Matrix Impression of the Common Seal of the Borough of Colchester, featuring a Castellated Town most likely representing Colchester Castle. It is flanked by two Protective Lions; perhaps a reference to the the towns first Royal Charter granted by Richard the Lionheart in 1189, or to the blazon of William de Lanvalei, former governor of the Castle.

Text reads: ‘INTRAVIT IHC IN QUODDAM CASTELLUM ET MULIER QUEDAM EXCEPIT ILLUM’.

In the twelfth-century Geoffrey of Monmouth asserted that Saint Helena was the daughter of the Legendary third-century King of Colchester, Coel; The Latin inscription here is a derivation of Luke 10. 38 and is used a reference to the image of Saint Helena represented on the other half of the original Matrix. The original Seal Matrix dated 1413 is to be found amongst the exhibits at Colchester Castle.

Wax.

Dimensions approximately: 9cmx9cmx1cm.