"Spectacular" gold Anglo-Saxon ring found by detectorist to go on show in Essex


Tony Carter, a resident of Uttlesford, found the 1,400-year-old jewel - dubbed The North-Essex Ring - in 2011, describing it as the highlight of his 41 years in metal detecting.

It is highly decorated with Anglo-Saxon motifs. Birds, an interlaced ornament, an engraving of a belted human figure with a cross, a bird of prey and a range of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Christian symbols all adorn its sphere.

“The museum has received an unprecedented level of support to acquire it,” said Tony Watson, the Chairman of the Saffron Walden Museum Society, thanking benefactors including the V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Art Fund, whose Treasure Plus initiative has allowed the museum to install a permanent showcase for the ring.

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