A stunning medieval silver ring unearthed in the Eden Valley, Cumbria, has officially been declared treasure following a ruling by Ms. Kirsty Gomersal, area coroner for Cumbria. Discovered in July 2023 by a local metal detectorist on cultivated land in the parish of Orton, the solid silver ring is believed to date back to between 1300 and 1500, placing it in the late medieval period.
The ring, weighing 4.09g, was found smoothed by wear and bears intricate detailing. It was thoroughly examined by a finds liaison officer from the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), a program managed by the British Museum that records archaeological finds made by members of the public. With over 1.4 million historical items logged in their database, the Eden Valley ring joins nearly 1,000 other silver finger rings recorded under the Treasure Act.
After reviewing the evidence, Ms. Gomersal ruled the item to be treasure, commenting, “I am delighted to declare this item to be treasure.” Her declaration means the ring meets the criteria set out by the Treasure Act 1996, being more than 300 years old and made entirely of precious metal.
Interest in the ring has already been expressed by Tullie House Museum in Carlisle, which may soon acquire this historically significant piece. With the ring officially classified as treasure, the finder, along with the landowner, will be contacted to discuss its future.
For further details on the laws surrounding treasure, you can refer to our guide on metal detecting laws or explore the official Portable Antiquities Scheme database to learn about other remarkable finds across the UK.
Photo Credit: Craig McGlassen
Passionate about history, metal detecting, and the thrill of the hunt, I’ve spent years uncovering hidden treasures across the Lincolnshire countryside and beyond. As a pub landlord with a love for music and a knack for storytelling, I bring a unique perspective to every adventure—whether it’s finding a rare coin in a field or sharing tales of British history.
When I’m not swinging a detector, you’ll find me exploring micro hobbies, dreaming of life on a canal boat, or helping others dive into the world of metal detecting with practical advice and a good dose of humor.
