Metal detector discovers rare 15th-century gold ring depicting Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus
- Although he does not know the exact value of the ring, he believes it to be a very rare find for the UK
A metal detecting enthusiast has said he feels ‘privileged’ to have discovered a 15th century gold ring that has been described as a ‘very rare find for the UK’.
Matthew Hepworth, 48, discovered the jewelery when he was searching a field and heard a faint signal on his metal detector.
He then found a rare gold iconographic ring with a drawing of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus on it, believed to be from the 14th century.
Matthew has reported the ring to the landowner and liaison officer and the ring will eventually be the subject of an inquest to confirm whether it is a treasure.
Although he does not know the exact value of the ring, he believes it to be a very rare find for the UK.
Matthew Hepworth, 48, discovered the jewelery while searching a field
Matthew said: ‘It means so much to me that a piece of history has been salvaged from the ground.
“It is a privilege for me that I was able to find and save it.
“It was a great surprise when I found it and then I let the landowner know and he was stunned and couldn’t believe it.
‘It’s a very rare find for the UK I would say. Some have been found, but not that many.’
Matthew donated a rare silver seal depicting a slave to the Lancaster Maritime Museum that he found last year, and he discovered a Bronze Age burial site in 2016.
And he added that when he visits the museum, it’s a “wonderful feeling” to know there’s something he’s discovered.
Matthew, a head nurse, said: ‘It really trumps everything, it’s a wonderful feeling to know you’ve found something.
‘It also promotes the hobby and shows what metal can be traced responsibly.
“It’s nice to see your name next to what you found and it will be there forever for future generations to enjoy.”
The married father of two has been involved in metal detecting for 32 years and says he enjoys it because “it’s fun to do and to help find our heritage.”
Matthew, from Morecambe, Lancs, said: ‘I am happy to find plots of land with the landowner’s permission.
‘I like to look at the local landscape and then the local history of the area.
“Sometimes you find stuff in the middle of nowhere and it’s nice to get out in the fresh air.
“It can be very rewarding, but most times you go out and don’t find much, but you know you really had fun.”
“It’s just been a good hobby for me over the years and I’ve had a lot of fun doing it.
‘It’s an active pastime that keeps me fit and healthy because I’m out in the countryside and in the fresh air with beautiful landscapes.
‘It’s just fun to do and to help find our heritage.’