Thread by @ArchaeoAnni

Absolute fav for this week’s #FindsFriday. On back of #greatbritishdig episode in Nottingham and discussions of Robin Hood, here is a stunning seal matrix of marcher lord and hero of medieval romance, Fulk FitzWarin. Look away @jpwarchaeology you know what’s coming!😃🧵1/

Matrix depicts helmeted knight (FitzWarin) on horseback, charging right with shield in left hand and sword raised in right. The image is so well detailed that mail, folds in the surcoat, shield and swordbelt strap and the slit and grill in the helmet are all clearly visible. 2/

Shield bears the arms of FitzWarin, Quarterly per fess indented argent and gules. Horse wears a high saddle and its mane has been plaited. Bridle and reins are clearly visible and the strap across its chest is decorated with hanging harness pendants in the shape of crosses. 3/

The seal reads SIGILLVM F[VLCONIS FIL]II WARINI (seal of Fulk FitzWarin). Fulk III (c. 1160-1258?), Lord of Whitington, Shropshire, was a powerful man. He openly rebelled against King John and was subsequently outlawed (yes, honestly!). John sent 100 knights to capture him. 4/

In July 1202 Fulk and his followers took refuge in Stanley Abbey in Wiltshire. The findspot is only 20 miles (32km) to the east, near the 13th century Chisbury Chapel. In 1203 Fulk III and many of his men were pardoned by the King and his confiscated lands were returned. 5/

The disputes between Fulk and John and other barons had repercussions for every man. A result of John’s dodgy dealings, corruption and selective justice, Clause 40 of the Magna Carta remains in law today, over 800 years later. 6/

After death Fulk’s life was romanticised in a story called Fouke le Fitz Waryn. A 14th century copy survives in @britishlibrary. Although elements may have been confused with the lives of his father and grandfather, the story has been paralleled to the legend of Robin Hood. 7/

Fulk married Maude (not Marion). He didn’t have a dispute with the Sherrif of Nottingham, but he was a thorn in the side of the Sherrif of Shropshire. I don’t know how good he was with a bow, but I guess he wore hose 8/

Research by @nationalarchives identified what may be the seal in document dated to early Henry III (1216-1272). @collegeofarms confirmed arms are of FitzWarin. There’s more info on the @findsorguk record. It’s really interesting (if I do say so myself!) 9/ finds.org.uk/database/artef…

This nationally important find is now in the British Museum. It was very nearly lost forever – caked in mud, the finder initially thought it was a ‘BOAT’ (detectorist talk), and nearly threw it away. So glad he didn’t! Instead, he won Find of the Year and gave us Robin Hood😉

If you like seal matrices (and why wouldn’t you!), and literary and social history, take a look @SocAntiquaries ‘s upcoming conference. The talks all look fascinating, and the events are FREE! sal.org.uk/event/seals-an… END.

A couple of my @ didn't work (sorry!). @UkNatArchives and for College of Arms follow @yorkherald

Bit of an after thought but if you live in Wantage (like me), the parish church is full of Fitzwarins, and a local school is named after him and his family (he was lord of Wantage and also had property in Lambourn)