File:Medieval Papal bulla (FindID 197147).jpg

English: Late Medieval/Early Post Medieval Papal bulla of Leo X (elected 11th March 1513; consecrated 17th March 1513; coronation 19th March 1513; died 1st December 1521). This lead bulla or seal to a papal document is now in poor condition, having been battered and suffered some corrosion. Fortunately the obverse preserves enough lettering to determine the pope’s name, LEO/PAP[A]/X, although the ‘E’ and the final ‘A’ are hardly visible. Two of the four dots used to flank the ‘X’ can also be seen. The reverse is altogether more damaged, not least since the cord has been ripped out at some point, leaving a linear flap of lead; this may possibly have been cut out, but corrosion has made the edge rough, making it too difficult to be certain of this. The two heads of the apostles SS Peter and Paul are so badly corroded that they can hardly now be distinguished, although a few lines from the beard of St Paul on the left can be determined.

This bulla is of interest in being issued in the sixteenth century and shortly before the break of the English church from Rome, that occurred under Henry VIII. This is the first bulla of Leo X to be recorded from East Anglia and represents one of very few Late Medieval bullae in general, as numbers appear to have dropped off in the fourteenth century.

Because of corrosion and the tear line from the removal of the cord, it is difficult to be sure but the obverse appears to have been sealed at about 5º to the reverse.