A centuries-old gold ring inscribed with what appears to be a loving message, “Present my affection,” was discovered in northern England by a metal detectorist several years ago. The find occurred on the Whittington Hall, Lancashire property and has now been put on public view at the Lancaster City Museum.
In England, any treasure found must be reported to the government. When the piece is bought by a museum or auctioned, the proceeds are typically split between the person who found the treasure and the landowner. However, Lord Reay, the current owner of Whittington Hall, decided to give up his share of the reward. Whittington Hall is a designated English heritage site — an impressive 19th-century country house built for a former member of Parliament. It stands on the grounds of an earlier estate, parts of which have been preserved, including a fireplace estimated to date back to 1500.
The band, classified as a “posy ring,” was acquired by the government and placed in the Lancaster City Museum. Posy rings became popular in medieval times as symbols of love. Typically, they were engraved with short, romantic phrases or poetic inscriptions on the inside of the band. The band made its public debut on February 14, an occasion fitting its romantic history.
The unnamed metal detectorist discovered the ring on the estate’s expansive grounds. While slightly misshapen, the ring features a decorative exterior and a carefully engraved interior inscription. Based on an announcement from Lancaster City Council, experts date the piece to sometime between 1650 and 1750.
England’s glorious past is full of hidden treasures, waiting to be discovered in the earth beneath its fields and estates. Whether it’s a gold ring or ancient coins, each find allows us to look at the lives, traditions and craftsmanship of the past centuries.
In 2021, the British metal detectorist Anthony Woolmington found a gold mourning ring dating to the 17th century on a farm in Dorset, England. The ring, dating back to 1692, bears a maker’s mark – a Gothic capital “B” and the initials “ML”. Such rings were traditionally worn to honor deceased loved ones. The artifact is set to be auctioned, with an estimated value of $760 to $1,000 (£600 to £800). The ring is just one of many interesting objects that was found; it uncovers long-hidden stories that are deeply connected to the country’s history.
17th century gold mourning ring. Photo courtesy of the BBC website
However, treasures aren’t always ancient artifacts with historical value. It is hard to disagree that items that present personal significance are considered treasures, although not for humanity but for individuals and families. Sometimes, when you’ve come to terms with the fact that something is lost forever, fate steps in and gives you a second chance.
Marilyn Birch, 76, was left in shock after a metal detectorist found the engagement ring she lost more than 50 years ago on her farm near Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot. She lost the ring while feeding cows in 1966, just after her husband, Pete, had bought it for £18. For decades, they had given up hope of ever finding it. However, when local metal detectorist Keith Phillips began searching their farm for historical artifacts, Marilyn jokingly asked him to find her missing ring, and after more than five decades, it was time for a heartwarming and unexpected reunion.
Pete and Marilyn Birch. Photo courtesy of the BBC website
