Silver medieval seal matrix dating back to the late 13th century found in Telford

Shropshire Coroner John Ellery made the decision in a treasure inquest held at Telford Coroner's Court.

The seal was reported through the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) after it was found with a metal-detector on cultivated land near Wrockwardine.

Seal matrices were used to close, authenticate, and officiate documents in the medieval period.

A report confirms that the seal matrix is made of cast silver.

The item has a handle on the reverse and a well cut detailed design on the front face. The central design depicts a shrine of The Nursing Madonna and Child with a cleric in an act of prayer at its base.

She is hooded or veiled and is garbed in a tradition full length robe with a sash tied around her waist.

The scene is positioned beneath a gothic canopied arch supporting a roof which is topped with carved decorations. The cleric is depicted below with his head tilted upwards as if looking towards the shrine. His hands are closed in prayer.

The inscription is formed from well cut neat medieval letters, it reads: "SECRTV ROG' D' VEILOREAVE CLERI' NR", which can be interpreted as secret, or counter seal, of Roger of Veiloreave - Clerk.

The form of the name Veiloreave is unusual and it has been suggested that it is a place name which has been translated from Welsh.

The term clerk derives from cleric. The role of a cleric within the 13th  and 14th  centuries would have involved various administrative responsibilities at medieval courts, where they would have been entrusted with keeping records, as most laymen were illiterate.

A cleric could also be clergyman. The religious nature of the piece does suggest that this clerk was also a priest.

Mr Reavill said: "This type of seal matrix would have acted as a personal seal for the closing of letters or correspondence.

"The form is well known from other discoveries and is securely dated to the late 13th to early 14th century, most likely mid-14th Century c. AD 1340 to 1410.

"The fact that it is exceptionally well made in good quality silver indicates that the original owner was relatively rich.

"As a cleric who could read and write Roger would have been an important person who potentially wielded considerable administrative power."

Shropshire Museums have expressed an interest in acquiring the find, with the hope that it will be displayed in the medieval galleries at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.

It would join other medieval treasures already on display – including the Bayston Hill Seal Matrix, The Myddle coin hoard and other treasures.

Now the find has been officially declared treasure it will be valued by the Governments Treasure Valuation Committee and the museum will be given a period of grace to raise the relevant funds.

The money will be paid to both the finder and landowner as a reward under the Treasure Act.