A complete gold, medieval, stirrup-shaped ring popular in the Middle Ages has been found in North Cornwall. The ring, complete with a triangular bezel and dark red rectangular gem, was discovered by metal detectorist Fred George on land in St Teath near Camelford in March 2022.
The ring was described during a treasure inquest held in Truro on Thursday, January 18, as measuring 20mm in diameter and two millimetres thick. In her curator’s report, Cornwall’s finds liaison officer for Cornwall Tasha Fullbrook said the finger ring dated back to the 12th or 13th century AD.
She said such rings were popular during the period covering the High Middle Ages and Late Middle Ages and continued to be made until 1450 AD in the 15th century.
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She said there were a large number of similar items recorded with the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme. Assistant coroner for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Guy Davies said the item qualified as treasure because it contains more than 10 precious metal and is older than 300 years old. The item has been acquired by the Museum of Cornish Life, in Helston.
In Cornwall all treasures belong to the Duchy of Cornwall as franchisee of the Crown unless disclaimed by the Crown.