Seal matrix: The Martyrdom of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral

Medieval

Richmondshire Museum

circa 1300

This matrix depicts the martyrdom of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral with Becket shown kneeling before an altar in the centre. Three or four knights involved in his murder are depicted to the right while Edward Grimm is shown on the left with his arm is raised in an attempt to protect Becket from the sword blow of William de Tracy and perhaps holding a cross. This is an item of great local importance and there was a chantry dedicated to St Thomas Becket in the chapel of Holy Trinity in Richmond in the early 13th Century.

• Medium: silver
• Dimensions: 3 x 2cm
• Art Fund Grant: £1100 ( Total: £3,705)
• ArtFunded in: 2008
• Vendor: Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Provenance

Discovered by a metal detectorist near Richmond and declared Treasure in 2007.

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