A MEDIEVAL gold ring found during a metal detecting rally in Cumbria has been declared as treasure.  

It was unearthed by metal detectorist Colin Hawkins on land in Brampton on January 19, 2020.

The item was sent to the British Museum and has been dated as being from the Medieval period – between 1300 to 1500 AD.

In a report prepared for the coroner, Alex Whitelock, finds liaison officer for Lancashire and Cumbria, described the item as a gold finger ring with white enamel decoration, weighing 3g.

The lettering possibly reads, ‘en bon an’ – ‘a good year’ – but the images were not clear enough for Ms Whitelock to read.

The inside of the band has inscribed decoration comprising a star with lettering and a three leaf foliate motif. The outside of the band is decorated as a stylised twist.

As the object contains a minimum of 10 per cent precious metal and is over 300 years old, it meets the criteria for treasure.

Margaret Taylor, assistant coroner for Cumbria, determined that the item was treasure at a hearing held at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court on Thursday.

Tullie House in Carlisle has expressed an interest in acquiring the item.

By law, finders of potential treasure must notify their local coroner, who will determine if the item is treasure at an inquest.

All treasure found in the UK belongs to the Crown and The Treasure Valuation Committee recommends a value for the find.

It is then offered for sale to a museum, and a reward shared between the finder and the landowner.