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Metal Detecting Finds in England

21 published discoveries from England — coins, hoards, jewellery and artefacts recovered by detectorists and archaeologists.

Discoveries from England

21 finds · page 3 of 3
England · Jewellery · Post-Medieval ·

'Once in a lifetime' ring found in Cotswolds sells for thousands

Metal detectorist Stuart Jones discovered a 400-year-old diamond cluster gold ring in Wormington, Gloucestershire, in November 2024, which recently sold at auction for £17,000 to an English phone bidder. Examined by the British Museum and auction specialists, the 19.2-carat Tudor-era ring features a rare flowerhead bezel set with eight hogback diamonds. Jones expressed overwhelming joy at the sale and plans to split the proceeds with the landowner, noting that bringing such a piece of history back into the public eye was an incredibly rewarding experience.

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Ref 16
England · Jewellery · Post-Medieval ·

A Metal Detectorist Unearthed a 17th-Century Ring Linked to Westminster Abbey

A metal detectorist named Amanda Parker unearthed a 17th-century gold memorial ring on a farm in Catforth, Lancashire, buried eight inches underground. The ring features floral engraving, a skull motif, and an inscription bearing the name of Dr. Richard Busby, a prominent headmaster of Westminster School who died in 1695 and left money in his will for memorial rings to be distributed to staff, students, and associates. Parker discovered the ring in August 2024 and shared it with delighted staff at Westminster School before putting it up for auction at Noonans in London, where it was estimated to sell for £3,000 (about $4,000).

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Ref 15
England · Weapons · Modern ·

Army bomb disposal team descends on Blyth after metal detectorists discover grenades in field

An Army bomb disposal team was called to a field in Blyth after members of the True North Detecting metal‑detecting group uncovered two old Mills grenades, likely dating back to World War Two, prompting police and military personnel to secure the area before carrying out a controlled explosion; specialists from 521 Squadron of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment identified and safely demolished the devices, which had been buried for decades before being disturbed.

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England · Jewellery · Medieval ·

'Extremely rare' 14th century gold ring found by detectorists in Suffolk

A pair of metal‑detectorists searching farmland near Stoke Ash in Suffolk uncovered an exceptionally rare 14th‑century medieval gold seal ring, likely once owned by Matilda of Lancaster, Countess of Ulster. After a slow morning and a near‑abandoned faulty headset, Aaron Pizzey struck a strong signal and unearthed the gold ring, which features a carnelian intaglio of a griffin and a Lombardic inscription. The find was reported to the local liaison officer and is now heading to auction at Noonans Mayfair, where it is expected to fetch £10,000–£12,000, with the proceeds split between the detectorists and the landowner.

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Ref 6
England · Jewellery · Medieval ·

15th-Century “Blood of Christ,” St. Margaret Rings found by Metal Detectorist in North Yorkshire

A semi-retired architect and regular metal‑detectorist from North Yorkshire discovered two rare 15th‑century gold rings in fields near Northallerton, each found just months apart, and both are now heading to auction at Noonans Mayfair. The first, an enamelled “Blood of Christ” ring valued at £5,000–£7,000, reflects medieval devotional practices tied to Christ’s wounds and may have historical links to the Corpus Christi Guild at York. The second, depicting St. Margaret of Antioch and estimated at £4,000–£6,000, was traditionally associated with childbirth and features iconography rooted in her legendary escape from a dragon. Riley plans to use his share of the proceeds for an interrailing trip to Italy.

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Ref 5