Medieval ring unearthed in Bourton and Draycote goes on display

The 14th century gold finger ring features an oval bezel with an aperture decorated with incised circles. 

Inside the bezel sit the remains of a dark red cabochon stone, while small panels on each of the ring's shoulders have been decorated with a series of horizontal, incised grooves.

A metal detectorist unearthed the medieval treasure from an undisclosed location in the parish in October 2023.

The find was recorded by the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) and the ring declared 'treasure' due to its age and precious metal content.

Now acquired by Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, the ring has gone on display in the archaeology gallery's 'archaeology now' section.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "Metal detectorists continue to discover a wealth of history buried beneath our feet, with this latest find following the recent discovery of a medieval scabbard cape in Kings Newnham and a medieval gold and silver brooch in Birdingbury.

"We're delighted to have acquired this piece of Rugby's history and share it with visitors to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum."

The archaeology gallery includes artefacts excavated from the Roman town of Tripontium by Rugby Archaeology Society, which donated the entire collection of archaeological finds to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum in 2025 - the venue's 25th anniversary.

Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "The ring is such a fantastic find.

"Just to think, it had laid buried long before the original St Andrew's Church was erected in our town centre, showing the borough of Rugby was an important route for travellers in medieval times, just as it is today."

For more information about exhibitions and events at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, visit www.ragm.co.uk