Gold Ring Bridgnorth

Gold Ring at Bridgnorth's Northgate Museum [+]

This ring was found in Oldbury Wells, near Bridgnorth in April 2002. It is thought to date from the late 12th to early 13th Century. The ring would have originally contained a small oval stone, which has now been lost. This object is one of many, each year that are found by enthusiastic metal detectorists in Britain.

Under the terms of the Treasure Act, every gold and silver object or group of coins, over 300 years old that is discovered in Britain has to be reported to the district coroner. If the local museum curator or archaeologist believes that the find may be treasure they will inform the British Museum or the National Museums & Galleries of Wales, who will then decide whether they or any other museum may wish to acquire it.

Since the introduction of the Portable Antiquities Scheme in 2003, the amount of finds being reported as Treasure has increased. 21 Finds Liaison Officers are working across the country to help metal detectorists report their finds and work through the Treasure Act process.