A gold ring from Flowerpot

In the later middle ages the wearing of rings was popular, and tomb effigies commonly show several rings on one person’s fingers. A range of types was available, according to wealth and taste. Some of the principal types of medieval ring of c. 1300-1500 are represented in the collection.

This gold ring of c. 1300 was found at Flowerpot Field, St Thomas, the site of Hayes Barton. The ring holds a sapphire, a popular stone, connected in the medieval mind with wisdom.