Metal detectorist's "outstanding" 17th century silver seal discovery bought by National Civil War Centre

This article originally appeared on Culture24.

Lost seal of Civil War soldier bought by new museum in honour of detectorist who found it in field 11 years ago

A 17th century silver seal which once belonged by ardent supporters of Charles I, found by a dedicated metal detectorist and described as the finest find of its kind by the British Museum, has been bought by the keenly-anticipated new National Civil War Centre after a fundraising campaign raised £3,000 towards its purchase.

Norman Daynes, a detectorist who died in 2013, found the “exquisite” seal in a field in Gunthorpe 11 years ago. It was once owned by a wealthy family, the Warburtons, who backed the King in the conflict between Crown and Parliament which embroiled Newark in three deadly sieges.

“Dad was thrilled by the find at the time,” says Alan Daynes, the son of the detectorist.

“It was the best thing he ever discovered - he always wanted it go on public display.

“He would be a very proud man to see it among all the other fascinating objects in the National Civil War Centre.”

Glyn Hughes, the Team Leader for Collections at the £5.4 million Centre, which will open in May, says supporters played a vital role in adding the artefact to the displays.

“The seal is a beautiful object, adorned with the motto 'I will have justice',” he says.

“No one knows how the seal was lost – it was priceless to the family as it was a way of authenticating important documents, like wills or writs when imprinted in wax.

“The Warburtons were originally from Cheshire and married into a Nottinghamshire family, settling at Shelton.

“William Warburton was also a brave soldier mentioned in dispatches for his bravery in defence of Chester and became the Coroner for Nottinghamshire.”

Warburton, who became Bishop of Gloucester, was an old boy of the school now known as the Magnus Church of England Academy, where one of the houses is still named after him. The academy gave £500 to the campaign.

“Once the British Museum delivered its glowing opinion there was no doubt it was worth the hard work raising the cash,” says Jill Campbell, of the friends.
 
“The seal is an outstanding object. The Warburton family have such strong links with the Old Magnus Building, so it is the perfect place for it to be displayed.”

You can see the seal at the National Civil War Centre in Newark, which opens in May 2 2015. Visit nationalcivilwarcentre.com for more.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

More from Culture24's Archaeology section:

Archaeologists open coffin of elderly woman found near Richard III's grave in Leicester friary

Body of young woman who had Charles I shilling placed over eye found in shallow Oxford grave

Archaeologists find remains of French-born wounded Norman knight near Hereford Cathedral

Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk//history-and-heritage/archaeology/art520089-metal-detectorist-outstanding-17th-century-silver-seal-discovery-bought-by-national-civil-war-centre