A metal detectorist in England has discovered an ancient relic dating back to the 18th century which may have ties to British nobility, the BBC reported.
After 18 months of searching the same field near Thetford, Norfolk, 53-year-old Malcolm Weale found a gold “mourning ring” from the 18th century. Weale began “shaking” when he saw the sunlight reflect off of the ring, knowing he was about to make a magnificent discovery.
“I knew this was something very special and I did a bit of a dance,” Weale told the outlet. “There it was, a glint of pure gold, shiny as the day it was dropped, six inches down in the mud. It’s very rare to put a name to anything you find.”
Malcolm Weale
Malcolm Weale
Experts Declare the Finding Treasure
Weale, who made the discovery in August 2024, immediately brought the ring to historical experts for analysis, who recently declared the find was officially treasure. They were able to determine not only the time period in which the ring was made but also who ordered its commission. The ring was made roughly 300 years ago to celebrate the life of Sir Bassingbourne Gawdry, who was then an important member of the British nobility. Experts believe that a hollowed-out section on the outside of the ring is meant to depict Sir Gawdry’s skull, while an inner inscription notes the date of his death.
Sir Gawdry, the third Baronet of Harling, died at 56 in 1723 after a tragic hunting accident. The ring’s inscription reads: “B.G. Bart. ob: 10. Oct: 1723. aet: 56,” which historian Helen Geake said translated to: “B.G. Baronet, died 10th October 1723, aged 56.” Sir Gawdry was known as a “notable sportsman” who was especially fond of “rackety exploits.” He left instructions for several of these mourning rings to be cast, but only one has ever been found.
“Over the years, I’ve found all sorts of treasures including a hoard of late Roman coins, gold rings and jewellery,” explained Weale, who’s been metal detecting since the age of seven. “Last year was a particularly good year for detecting as, thanks to the rainfall, the moisture levels in the ground were very high. With metal detecting you can spend days, weeks or months searching, or sometimes just 20 minutes, and make an amazing discovery.”
