Small finds archaeologist, medievalist - metalwork, esp. horsey and religious @findsorguk, Husband, Daddy, European, occasionally plays tennis for Wivey B team
Wed 15 Apr, last meeting till Sep, ending season on a high! Thrilled to welcome @PGaches, specialist in the repair of historic plasterwork, on how & why ceilings began to be plastered in the 15th century, & how the process developed. Keep in touch with SVBRG at the other place.
For #FindsFriday a group of gold medieval pendants recorded via @findsorguk as Treasure (a fourth is being processed currently). The form has been observed to have connections with the Eastern Baltic, and the findspots of all fall in eastern England.
See also this video by Dr Tim Pestell describing the Norfolk example shown here on the left, and its international connections: youtu.be/oULlho29lVI@NorwichCastle
For #FindsFriday a seal matrix found in Lancashire @findsorguk but connected with Bromholm Priory, Norfolk. The Patriarchal cross was brought there from Constantinople in the 13th century. Pilgrim items include ampullae, many from London but some found in the Netherlands. #MedRit
Back with the pilgrim badges for #FindsFriday. These two fragments @findsorguk I think I have now better identified as former fragments of a type of crucifixion badge. Found respectively in N Yorks and Wakefield, they find parallels from London, Bristol and Stoke (Kunera) #MedRit
Some of the largest medieval seal matrices recorded @findsorguk can be associated with the Trinitarians (active in England from 1244). The earliest of those shown originated at their house at Easton, Wiltshire. #FindsFriday
For #FindsFriday a rare depiction of a tetramorph of the evangelists on a medieval seal matrix. This matrix is of unusual shape and belonged to Thomas of Ringleton (Kent), but found in Norfolk (@findsorguk NMS-AD5AAA). The evangelists' initials surround the composite creature.
For #FindsFriday a pair of medieval images of the Assumption of the Virgin on artefacts recorded through @findsorguk. The seal matrix is datable to the first half of the 15th century, while the finger-ring is later C15th, if not early C16th (now @britishmuseum). #MedRit
Ready to unearth history? 🔍✨
Join us at Finds Fest to meet the specialists uncovering the past! From zooarchaeology and ancient glass to metalwork and prehistoric pottery, come explore the unique expertise at the Markethall. 🏺🦴
#FindsFest2026#Archaeology#cifa
ALT A promotional flyer titled "CIfA Finds Group FINDS FEST: MARKETHALL SPECIALISMS." The top right features an image of archaeological artifacts laid out in display trays. Below the title is a table listing specialists and their areas of expertise:
• Small Finds and Glass: Ruth Beveridge
• First Aid for Finds and Conservation: Laura Ratcliffe-Warren, Kate Berlewen
• Zooarchaeology: Emily Johnson, Joshua Toulson
• Metalwork, Coins, and Flint: Anna Tyacke, Peter Guest
• Charcoal and Archaeobotany: Dana Challinor, Bekky Hillman
• Prehistoric to Early Medieval Pottery: Imogen Wood, Elle Norrish
• Worked Stone: Ruth Shaffrey, Naomi Payne
• Post-ex and Archaeological Science: Hayley McParland, Rachel Cubitt
For #FindsFriday some medieval seal matrices showing the Virgin and Child as Maria Lactans (rather than Sedes Sapientiae). That they show supplicant figures and (often) canopies suggests they represent statues from churches, perhaps shrines. Images: @findsorguk
For #FindsFriday three lovely medieval Limoges buckle plates of c. 13th-century date. All recorded @findsorguk, found in Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Surrey.
This head from a Corpus figure of Christ was likely attached to a cross & was produced in Limoges area Central France. Around 1100 Limoges crosses & fragments made c.1150-1350 now survive representing c.1/10th those made (Campbell 2025: 35) #FindsFridayfinds.org.uk/database/artefa…
For #FindsFriday two apostle spoons, perhaps early 17th century: one identified as St James the Greater, the other as St James the Less @findsorguk. I like the haloes, with a wavy star and a dove representing the Holy Spirit, respectively.
For #FindsFriday some examples of medieval seal matrices depicting saints. They are united by the formulation of their legends and often the presence of palms in the field. Here: Saints Peter, Catherine, Laurence and Margaret with their respective attributes @findsorguk
For #FindsFriday, inspired by @findsorguk record SWYOR-08DC45, three medieval deanery seal matrices. None has a religious legend, but instead a pun on the deanery's name (left to right) - Boroughbridge (North Yorkshire), Cranwich (Norfolk) and Hartismere (Suffolk)...