File:Medieval, Modified Papal Bulla of Honorius IV (FindID 237941).jpg

English: A modified and incomplete cast circular lead bulla (seal) of Pope Honorius IV (AD 1285-1287). Diameter: 33.4mm; thickness: 4.2mm. Weight: 29.87g. Orientation: obverse 12/reverse 0.5.

Obverse: Inscription hONORIVS PP IIII (in three lines). PP = 'pastor pastorum' - shepherd of the shepherds. The letters have curled serifs. Reverse: Busts of St Paul and St Peter. Each bust is within a beaded aureole. St. Paul, on the left, is depicted with a long beard and St Peter, on the right, has a curly beard formed of small sub oval pellets. Both heads are enclosed within a border of pellets (or pearls). The cross between the two heads is lost due to corrosion. Above the busts is an inscription SPA SPE. The beading forming the aureoles and St Peter’s beard are incomplete due to wear. Therefore, it is not possible to enumerate the number of beads in each element. The original edge, including the majority of the beaded circle that formed a border close to the edge, appears to have been quite carefully removed my means of small overlapping ‘chop’ marks which have then been smoothed down. This operation has mainly obscured the vertical perforation that would have accommodated the cord which enabled the seal to be attached to a document. The reason for this modification is unclear.

The seal is worn and also slightly corroded in places and has a well developed pale buff patina overall. Between I an V in hONORIVS there is a tiny black pebble which is embedded into the surface.

Tim Pestell has commented: "Papal bulls came as two basic types, according to the contents of the document: Tituli, or "Letters of Grace", essentially granted or confirmed rights, conferred benefices or promulgated statutes. They generally had their lead bullae attached with cords of silk. Mandamenta, or "Letters of Justice" were mandates that conveyed papal orders, prohibitions or injunctions, and had their bullae attached by hemp threads". A bulla of Pope Honorius IV has been recorded from Whaplode Parish, Lincolnshire. See Portable Antiquities Scheme find: CAM-1A7AF8.