Metal detectorist finds treasure on Herefordshire farm

Gary Scotford, from Presteigne, found the artefact, which is believed to date to between the 12th and 15th centuries, at a farm in Wigmore three years ago, but it has only recently been declared official treasure.

The gold ring features a cut blue sapphire stone and was described by expert Dr Ian Bass as “a well-known medieval ring type, with numerous good examples recorded and reported.”

Mr Scotford found this medieval ring in Wigmore (Image: Birmingham Museums)

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Mr Scotford said: “We were in a very basic-looking field, and we turned up a few nice, hammered silver coins which is always very nice. Then I had a good signal, dug down about six inches and found a beautiful ring.

“I contacted the farmer Dave Parry to explain the process I would follow. Sadly, he has now died. I’m waiting to hear back from any museum wishing to purchase but if sold the proceeds will be split equally between myself and the farmer’s widow Patricia.”

He explained how he first became interested in metal detecting: “I used to detect in the late ‘70s but decided to get back into it about six years ago after accompanying a friend on one of his outings. I was lucky and found some nice old artefacts, so I upgraded the machine and have been detecting once or twice a month since.

“I have some very generous farming friends and I’ve been able to search a lot of land but have never found anything else quite like this ring.”