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Metal Detecting Discussions => Metal Detecting Stories => Topic started by: Neil on November 25, 2008, 09:12:50 AM



Title: The Raglan Ring
Post by: Neil on November 25, 2008, 09:12:50 AM
Article Date: 16 April 2007

The Raglan Ring is a massive and ornate gold signet ring which was found near Raglan, Monmouthshire, by Ron Treadgold using a metal detector, and was declared treasure. The ring has a circular bezel engraved with a design of a lion on a bed of flowers, within a single cable border with the legend: to yow feythfoull or feythfoull to yow and initials W A either side of the lion.

The finest example of late medieval gold jewellery to be found in Wales
The shoulders of the ring are decorated with flowers and leaves and is significant for the study of late medieval rings as very close comparisons exist in the engraving on the gold episcopal ring of John Stanbury, Bishop of Hereford (1452-1474), a mid 15th century cross from Winteringham, Lincolnshire and a gold ring from Godstow Priory, Oxfordshire. The Raglan ring is likely to date from the middle or third quarter of the 15th century, and is perhaps the finest example of late medieval gold jewellery ever to be found in Wales.

The ring's owner
The original owner of the seal has yet to be identified, though the finding of the ring near Raglan and initials W A make William Herbert, first Earl of Pembroke (executed after the battle of Banbury during the Wars of the Roses, in 1469) a possibility. He married Anne Devereux, and the initials might stand for William and Anne.

The size of the ring suggests that it was worn by a man, and the inscription may be regarded as a sign of faithfulness to his wife. Herbert was one of two men referred to as the 'chosen and faithful' to the new king, Edward IV, and on Edward's coronation he was ennobled. However, the identification of the ring as that of William Herbert is not proven and other names are possible.

At present, all that we can safely say is that the ring was a mark of rank, and probably belonged to an important officer or visitor to Raglan during the second half of the 15th century.





Title: Re: The Raglan Ring
Post by: PHIL YNYSBOETH on November 25, 2008, 10:16:38 AM
Wow what a beautiful ring  ;D

Maybe one day Hey!

Regards Phil


Title: Re: The Raglan Ring
Post by: Kev on November 25, 2008, 04:24:08 PM
 ;D great ring that its at Cardiff museum ;D


Title: Re: The Raglan Ring
Post by: 1morecoin on November 27, 2008, 11:20:55 PM
We have a club site at Raglan Castle, it goes right up to the fish ponds which are very close to the original road into the Castle, club members avoid the site because of the musket balls, i have detected the site once and apart from 40 odd musket balls i had 3 hammered, a silver modern riding brooch and a purse loss of pre decimal silver, also a tudor spoon, so still worth a go.

Steve.


Title: Re: The Raglan Ring
Post by: BottyBurp (Kris) on November 27, 2008, 11:39:53 PM
That is amazing, the stuff that dreams are made of!
Well done to you Ron.  :)
Are you a Forum member?


Title: Re: The Raglan Ring
Post by: Jeb on November 28, 2008, 03:49:54 PM
I never cease to be amazed at the great finds that still pop up. Stunning!


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