A gold post-medieval ring discovered by a responsible metal detectorist in Shropshire is going on display thanks to an ongoing partnership between Shrewsbury’s museum and a law firm.
Museum Assistant Avis Patience with the ring
The ring, discovered near Ellesmere in April 2024, is believed to be a mourning ring commemorating Vincent Corbet dating back to 1680, and despite being more than 340 years old is in remarkable condition.
It is now in the hands of Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery in the town’s Square – something that has been made possible through sponsorship from law firm Lanyon Bowdler.
Amanda Jones, marketing director at Lanyon Bowdler, said:
“The ring was a major find that was reported as potential treasure two years ago. It is in excellent condition considering its age and is a fascinating discovery.
“The museum provides an amazing service through its displays and exhibitions but financial support is needed to ensure exhibits like this ring can go on show to the public. Lanyon Bowdler is delighted to support the museum through sponsorship which has helped this exhibit go on display.
“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take in the culture and stories of our past by getting up close and personal with wonderful artefacts like this.”
The tradition of mourning rings became popular during the 17th and 18th centuries, being handed out at funerals as a way of helping loved ones, families and friends to remember the deceased.
Councillor Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and economic growth, said:
“Research by our curatorial team suggests that the ring commemorates Vincent Corbet, second baronet of Morton Corbet who died of smallpox on 4 February 1680.
“The Corbet family is one of Shropshire’s oldest and most influential families making this a significant item for the county.
“The Shropshire Museum Service is extremely grateful to Lanyon Bowdler for their help in keeping such remarkable objects in the public domain.
“Our corporate sponsors are essential to the museum, as they help us to expand the collection and ensure our museums continue to tell the stories that make Shropshire special.”
The ring is inscribed with ‘V:C: ob: 4 feb: 80. Aeta: 38’ which experts believe refer to Vincent Corbet’s initials followed by ob, short for obituary, the date and age of death. The ob reference was an archaic term for someone’s death between the 14th and 17th centuries.
It has been dated to 1680 as the slanted, predominantly lower-case script is typical of posy and mourning rings dating from the early 17th century onwards.
The ring is made of gold and is extensively decorated on the outside, with the decorations filled with black enamel, which was common practice with mourning rings of that period.
While this process does not usually stand the test of time particularly well with items recovered from the ground, the ring has retained a remarkable amount of enamel – giving an excellent idea of how the ring would have looked at its creation.
