Casgliadau Arlein

Lewis Group 21 no.322

Slip-on-impression. Square subdivided into a central square by narrow rectangular borders; the centre has a central five-petalled rose surrounded by a circular band; the borders abd central ring are filled by a continuous black-letter inscription reading : mentem sanctam, spontaneu(m) honorem deo, et patrie liberacionem (A holy mind, honour freely given to God liberty to the country). These words refer to St Agatha and occur in her Life (Bollandius & Herchinius 1863, 640A). They were used in the Middle Ages as a charm against fire. BM Design 1429 (Great Malvern Priory, lenton Priory kiln site).