Sir Bassingbourne Gawdry's family tree and gold mourning ring dating from the 18th centuryMalcolm Weale / SWNS
Posted on 06/08/2025 9:40:01 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
A metal detectorist who discovered a gold mourning ring dating from the 18th century is overjoyed after it was declared a British treasure.
Malcolm Weale unearthed the ring in a field in the eastern county of Norfolk last August and said he was 'shaking' as it sparkled in the sunlight.
The lost jewelry is believed to be a memorial ring for Sir Bassingbourne Gawdry -- the 3rd Baronet of Harling -- who died in 1723, a year that was engraved on the inside.
Mourning rings are worn in memory of someone who has died, typically bearing the name and date of death of the deceased, and are used to commemorate a loved one's passing -- to remember them.
They became fashionable during the Georgian Era in the early 1800s...
Mr. Weale once discovered the first and only Viking penny minted for Guthrum, the first Viking king to convert to Christianity.
(Excerpt) Read more at goodnewsnetwork.org ...
Sir Bassingbourne Gawdry's family tree and gold mourning ring dating from the 18th centuryMalcolm Weale / SWNS
Thanks for the link!
I’ve always thought that one of those metal detectors would be fun to play with.
I followed a hobbyist around the yard here a few years back. I showed him where the long-gone outbuildings were. He found two or three rusty old pieces of debris. Of course, I don’t descend from the Rockefellers, either. :^)
When I was using a detector years ago, I was surprised that gold gives almost the same reading as a US nickel and other trash items like pull tabs. I thought precious metals would give a higher signal. You have to learn how to listen closely to the signal and set the discrimination of trash targets so you don’t miss gold objects.
All I ever find is old beer pull tabs.......................
‘Detectorists’ BUMP!
Final scene. (Spoiler Alert!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0s28E6XFlE
“Metal detecting is the closest you’ll get to Time Travel...”
Detectorists for the win!
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