Late Medieval iconographic ring depicting the Holy Trinity. A yellow gold ring featuring a central rectangular plaque, finely engraved with the figure of Christ on the cross, underneath the bearded head of God the Father, who is flanked by the wings of a dove, representing the Holy Spirit, leading to broad trumpeting shoulders, each engraved with six droplets, representing blood from Christ's wounds, with traces of black enamel throughout, and flowing through to a solid D-shape shank. Tested yellow gold, approximately 3.05 grams in weight, circa 1470-1480.
This ring was discovered in 2020 whilst metal detecting near Harrogate, and was found alongside 21 silver coins. The coins date between 1461-1477, suggesting this hoard was buried during the Wars of the Roses for safe keeping, likely by a soldier later killed in battle. The ring has been disclaimed under the Treasure Act, 1996, ref 2020-T631, and is documented under the Portable Antiquities Scheme ref SWYOR-4E1B92.
The depiction of the suffering of Christ was a common devotion in the late Medieval era, following an earlier focus on the Triumphant Christ. This shift came about after the founding of new religious orders, such as the Franciscans, which focused more on the humanity of Christ, and the suffering he endured to reconcile human souls to God.
