English: Cast copper alloy buckle plate of probable 11th - 12th century date (1000-1200 AD). The plate is broadly sub-rectangular in plan and is decorated with cast open-work. In cross section the plate is broadly sub-rectangular. Along one short edge is the fixing point for the plate to attach to the buckle frame. This fixing is formed by two edges of the plate being rolled back upon themselves to form an irregular tubular hinge. At the centre of this junction is a rectangular recess in the plate; the purpose of this is to hold the pin of the buckle. One of the two rolled hinges is broken; the break is old, worn and patinated. The plate was attached to the leather belt by a series of iron rivets; these are pierced through the corners of the plate and also through the central bar.

The buckle plate measures 71.9mm length, 44.6mm wide, is 2.1mm thick across the plate and 9.4mm thick across the hinge. It weighs 27.09 grams.

The plate is decorated with a cast openwork design. The overall pattern consists of three bars which descend from a top plate and connect with the base. The design consists mostly of irregular contractions and expansions in width. These can be interpreted in a number of ways; it has been suggested that the design is similar to that of the contorted beasties seen on contemporary metalwork. The design of the central bar is similar to some tree-like motifs seen on stirrup strap mounts. The junction between the hinge and openwork is also decorated with three incised vertical grooves. The reverse is plain and undecorated.

The buckle plate is a mid green colour with a well preserved patina which is abraded in places. There are few areas of light green active corrosion present; these are limited to areas of damage. A direct parallel has not been found, however due to the style of the openwork decoration this example is dated to the early medieval period.

Sincere thanks are extended to David Williams and Rob Collins for their comments and suggestions in recording this buckle plate.