“Exciting find” goes on display

A medieval gold ring found by detectorist Carl Davies has been bought “for the people of Doncaster“.

Carl found the ring on 30 August 2020 in a field near Fishlake, Doncaster. It was recorded at the PAS as SWYOR-FB2051 where it was considered a Find of Note of County Importance and then went through the Treasure process.

The inscription on the ring reads PENSE . DE MOY P: in Medieval French which translates to “Think of me, P”. The ring served as a love token although it’s not clear if “P” is the giver or receiver.

The 13th century gold ring has a reused 1st century Roman intaglio set in the bezel. In the PAS record, Martin Henig has identified the figure in the intaglio as a satyr and notes that the reuse of Roman intaglios in high status Medieval pieces is well known. Fishlake was at the heart of a royal forest and hunting ground and as such was often visited by kings, queens and their courtiers and servants.

Peter Robinson, collections and exhibitions officer at Heritage Doncaster, said the ring would have been “fit for the finger of a king or courtier at the highest level of English medieval society“. He added “It is thanks to diligent detectorists and local heritage champions like Mr Davies that such incredible pieces of our shared heritage come to light.“

The ring has been bought for £12,500 by Heritage Doncaster and will be displayed at the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum in Doncaster.

Councillor Nigel Ball, cabinet member for public health, leisure, culture and planning at City of Doncaster Council, said “This is an exciting find and provides a glimpse into our history from long ago. We are so pleased that we have now been able to acquire this piece of treasure which will be on show for future generations here in Doncaster.”