534 
The Secretary read the following communication from Sir 
William Betham, on a leaden seal of Herbert de la Mara, now 
preserved in the Museum of the Academy : 
‘¢ This is a singular matrix, inasmuch as lead is a very 
unusual material for a seal of any age, but especially of the 
antiquity I take this to be. 
‘* Considering the material of which it is made, it is very 
perfect. Herbert is in armour on horseback, in full gallop, as 
princes and great nobles of that day were represented ; on his 
left arm is the triangular shield of the twelfth and thirteenth 
centuries; in his right, which is extended, is something like 
a short club or mace. The bit of the bridle is very long and 
severe. Round the circle is the following inscription: 
+ SIGILLVM: HEREEBERTI DELAMARA. 
*¢ When Mr. Underwood first produced this seal to me, I 
considered that it was the seal of Herbert Delamare, who lived 
in the reign of Edward III. ; at the same time, I thought the 
shield indicated a higher antiquity, and further investigation 
convinced me it was of the end of the twelfth or beginning 
of the thirteenth century. 
** Ina MS. in my possession I find the following notes 
respecting the Delamares : 
‘¢ ¢ Richard Delamara was witness to a charter of William 
Rufus to the monastery of Bermondsey. 
**« Henry Delamare was huntsman to the King, 5 Ste- 
phen. 
** ¢ Richard Delamare, said to be son of Henry, was she- 
riff of Oxfordshire, 34 Hen. II., and of Oxford and Bucks, 
1 & 2 Rie. I. 
‘* ¢ Geoffrey Delamare had lands in Berkshire, 10 John. 
«* ¢ John Delamare, his grandson, was knighted 34 Edw. I, 
and summoned to the Parliament of England 6th February, 
34 Edw. I. (1305), as Baron Delamare.’ 
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