Posted on 06/08/2025 9:55:24 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
A 350-year-old ring belonging to the Sheriff of Nottingham is set to fetch thousands at auction after being unearthed by a metal detectorist in a find 'worthy of Robin Hood'.
The ancient, high-carat gold signet ring was uncovered by chance by a lucky detectorist on farmland in Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire, last summer.
The treasure once belonged to Sir Matthew Jenison, who served as High Sheriff of Nottingham between 1683 and 1684 and looked after trees in Sherwood Forest.
His family were known for gleaning wealth from a hoard of valuables left in their safekeeping during the English Civil War which were never reclaimed.
The ring, which displays the coat of arms of the Jenison family, was sent to be examined by experts from the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Once it was verified as authentic, it was sent back to the finder, who is now set to make a good amount from his incredible discovery...
Born in 1654, Sir Matthew was knighted in 1683 and acted as a commissioner to examine decaying trees in Sherwood Forest while serving as High Sheriff of Nottingham.
Sir Matthew was elected to parliament as MP for Newark in 1701, but eventually fell foul of the law. He died in Fleet Prison in 1734.
Originally from county Durham, the Nottinghamshire branch of the Jenison family first appeared as aldermen of Newark in 1580.
Thereafter, each generation served as aldermen, and, after the 1626 charter, as mayors.
(Excerpt) Read more at goodnewsnetwork.org ...
FTA: Sir Matthew was elected to parliament as MP for Newark in 1701, but eventually fell foul of the law. He died in Fleet Prison in 1734.
Nothing has changed over the years. People get elected then run foul of the law.
AND…a great series with Toby Jones from the BBC. (Watched the whole show twice but now want to watch it again. Brilliantly funny)
It was so well done!
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