Somerset detectorist strikes gold with ‘spectacular’ Roman ring find

Dating to around AD297, the ring weighs 48 grams. South West Heritage Trust, a charity committed to protecting and celebrating Somerset and Devon’s heritage, said it was rare in scale and artistry, and described it as an “unparalleled discovery for Britain”.

Amal Khreisheh, senior curator at the trust, said: “The Ilminster ring is both large and heavy, with elaborate gold work and a beautifully executed intaglio [a technique in which a design is engraved into the surface of a gemstone]. While other examples are known, these elements combine to create a spectacular ring that is only paralleled by continental discoveries.”

Khreisheh said the ring might have been worn by its owner on important occasions, or could have had a ceremonial function. She said there was a contrast between the simple elegance of the gemstone design and the “extravagant” amount of gold used.

‘Things like this don’t come along very often,’ said Amal Khreisheh. Photograph: South West Heritage Trust

The gold has not needed cleaning, and flecks of red soil can still be seen in the gemstone. More analysis of the ring may be carried out to try to find out if it was made in Britain or elsewhere.

Khreisheh said the find helped shed light on how south Somerset’s Roman inhabitants navigated a period of unrest from 286-296. “It is likely the ring was buried shortly after, in 297, as part of a hoard including coins, lead and pottery objects.”

Khreisheh said there had been a number of wealthy Romans in the Ilminster area at the time, and also important trade routes. “Perhaps the ring belonged to a governor, merchant or big landowner.” More work may be carried out to try to establish if the coffin is linked to the ring.

“Usually archaeologists handle broken things – such as pieces of pottery or animal bones. Things like this don’t come along very often,” Khreisheh said.

The ring is now off on its travels. It is being taken on a tour of primary schools this month, and an “Ilminster ring discovery day” will take place at the town’s art centre in August. It will be given a permanent home at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton.

Meanwhile Minto continues to return to the field, hoping other treasures may lurk there.