File:Seal Matrix, "The Englishman" - (FindID 112052).jpg

English: A substantial vesica-shaped (pointed oval) lead seal matrix in generally good condition but with a cut in one side due to plough damage. Back has a design of a tree or vine "growing" from the intact suspension loop, four coiled tendrils on each side. Device of a simple eight-pointed "flower" with slim, wedge-shaped petals radiating from a central dot. A line separates the device area from the legend, and a similar line marks the outer edge of the matrix face. The legend reads +SIGILL' HINGLESIE (Seal of the Englishman). Measurements: 21 mm x 32 mm.

The HINGLESIE of the legend might possibly be an uncommon Christian name, but seems more likely to mean "the Englishman". Other seals with this type of descriptive legend are recorded, but they are not normally so brief, often giving a Christian name as well as the nationality; cf. IHS-6B3EB6 "RAOL LENGLIS", a name which translates literally as "Raol the Englishman" (although "Lenglis" is in the process of turning into the common name "Inglis"), and SIMON·FIL·GALIOIS, "Simon son of the Frenchman" (IHS-A3B7F5). Both of these names were sufficiently unique to identify their owners to their peers, but it is unusual to find a seal matrix in England which describes its owner simply as an Englishman; presumably, its owner normally found himself amongst people of a different nationality.

Design on the reverse is also noteworthy; the commonest design by far in this situation is some form of fleur-de-lys. The series of scrolls on this piece is uncommon, and their meaning, if any, is unclear; it is almost evocative of much earlier Saxon work, particularly in view of the pairs of lines visible between the tendrils on the left.