Treasure hunter finds medieval ring in Sherwood Forest

An amateur metal detector struck gold when he found a medieval ring in Sherwood Forest.

Mark Thompson, 34, who spray-paints fork lift trucks for a living, took up metal detecting around 18 months ago. He'd been in the Nottinghamshire woodland for around 20 minutes when he came across the ring.

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The ring is currently undergoing tests at the British Museum, and is thought to date back to the 14th century. It is engraved with an infant Christ on one side and a female saint not the other. It's estimated it could be worth anywhere in the region from £20,000 to £70,000.

Dot Boughton, a regional finds liaison officer, said the case has been referred to a coroner so it can officially be classified as treasure, according to the Daily Mail.

A date for an inquest will be set, and if the artefact is confirmed as treasure it will be valued and offered to museums to buy. As the finder, Mr Thompson will receive the reward.

Speaking to the Metro, Mr Thompson said: "It's the find of a lifetime – I never expected to unearth anything like that. I'm still in shock when I think about it – it was such an exhilarating moment.

"If it does prove to be as valuable as we think it might be, it would completely change my life.

"I'm renting at the moment and I'd love to be able to buy a house or move into somewhere more comfortable."


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