Art Funded by you

Seal matrix: The Martyrdom of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral

Unknown artist, c. 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.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Seal matrix: The Martyrdom of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, c. 1300

Date supported

2008

Medium and material

Silver

Dimensions

3 x 2 cm

Grant

1100

Total cost

3705

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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