Gold ring found in Shropshire field declared treasure

The ring is thought to be of the "Memento mori" style that translates to "remember you must die"

Portable Antiquities Scheme Gold ring — The ring is thought to be of the "Memento mori" style that translates to "remember you must die"

A 300-year-old gold ring found in a farmer's field in Shropshire has been declared treasure.

The skull-engraved ring, discovered in 2020 in the Alberbury area, was declared treasure at Shrewsbury Coroners Court on Tuesday.

Shropshire Museums requested the inquest through The Treasure Act 1996.

Finds liaison officer Teresa Gilmore said the ring was "Memento mori" style, which encouraged the wearer to remember the one who bequeathed it to them.

Memento mori is Latin and translates to "remember you must die".

The inside of the ring bears the inscription "deus illuminatiio mea" which translates to "God is my light".

The inside of the ring bears the engravings in italics and the initials L.S

Portable Antiquities Scheme Inside of the ring — The inside of the ring bears the engravings in italics and the initials L.S

Also engraved is "L.S" which Ms Gilmore said was assumed to be the initials of the individual for whom the ring was to be remembered.

"This style of ring was very popular during the late 17th Century into the early 18th Century, so it is reasonable to assume that this finger ring is of a similar date," she added.

A reward yet to be decided will be split between the metal detectorist and the landowner. The metal detectorist was granted use of the field by the owner and discovered the treasure on 13 December 2020.