Two metal detectorists, Aaron Pizzey and James Race, discovered a rare medieval gold seal ring in a Suffolk field in April 2024. The artifact, which features a carnelian intaglio, is expected to fetch £10,000 at an auction held by Noonans Mayfair.
A stroke of luck near Stoke Ash
The discovery of the gold ring was nearly thwarted by technical difficulties during a search in Suffolk. According to the report, 30-year-old engineering lecturer Aaron Pizzey was on the verge of abandoning the search due to a faulty headset when his partner, 39-year-old James Race, encouraged him to try one final field. The pair had already searched two fields to no avail on April Fool's Day in 2024 before deciding to attempt a third.
Just 30 seconds after entering the final field, Pizzey's detector signaled a find beneath a clod of earth. The duo, who have not disclosed the exact location of the find to protect the site, have declared the artifact to the local finds liaison officer. The proceeds from the upcoming sale will be split between Pizzey, Race, and the landowner who permitted the search.
The Lombardic script and the Matilda of Lancaster connection
The ring features a carnelian intaglio engraved with a walking griffin, a design that has sparked significant historical interest. Nigel Mills, a consultant for Noonans Mayfair, noted that the gold oval bezel contains a flat border inscribed with Lombardic script reading "GRIFFVnMATILIELEMATILIOVR." This specific text is central to the theory that the ring belonged to a member of the English nobility.
This inscription suggsts the ring may have belonged to Matilda of Lancaster, a medieval English princess and great-granddaughter of King Henry III. As the report notes, Matilda became the Countess of Ulster and served as a canoness at Campsey Priory, a location situated only 20 miles from where the ring was unearthed.. This geographical proximity strengthens the theory that the artifact is a piece of royal regalia.
A £10,000 estimate at Noonans Mayfair
Noonans Mayfair is hosting the auction of the ring as part of its Jewellery,Watches, Silver and Objects of Vertu sale. While the estimate stands at £10,000, the historical significance of the piece could drive the final price higher if the royal connection is validated by collectors. The sale is expected to generate significant interest due to the ring's potential ties to the House of Lancaster.
The find serves as a modern example of how metal detecting continues to contribute to the archaeological record of the United Kingdom.. Pizzey and Race intend to use their share of the auction proceeds for home renovations and to purchase new metal detecting equipment.
The unverified link to Matilda's lineage
Despite the compelling inscription, the link to Matilda of Lancaster remains a hypothesis rather than a proven fact. As reported by Noonans, the connection is a possibility that requires further verification to be considered a confirmed attribution.
Archaeologists and historians will likely look for further evidence to bridge the gap between the inscribed "Matilda" and the specific historical figure. Until the identity of the owner is certain, the ring remains a tantalizing piece of medieval history that sits between a common find and a royal treasure.
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