‘Tantalising’ 16th century gold ring found in Warwickshire may have belonged to gunpowder plot conspirator

A “tantalising” 16th-century gold ring discovered in Warwickshire might have belonged to a conspirator in the gunpowder plan.

Later this month, an auction of a “TANTALISING” 16th-century gold ring found in Warwickshire that may have belonged to a conspirator in the gunpowder plot is anticipated to fetch between £8,000 and £12,000..

The ring, which bears the uncommon and ominous word “Yovr Frende in Deede,” which translates to “Your Friend in Deed,” was found by a metal detectorist near Robert Catesby’s Warwickshire birthplace. The inscription might allude to the conspirators’ strong relationship as well as their commitment to the “deed” of trying to blow up parliament on November 5, 1605. The British Museum claims that no matching ring, which experts date to the late 16th or early 17th century when a number of plotters were lodging at the hall, has such an inscription.

The gold bands, also called posy rings, were given as presents by male friends at the time to represent love, loyalty, or support among allies. In a recently ploughed field next to the moated Bushwood Hall in Lapworth, where Catesby was born in 1572, metal detectorist Andrew Rose discovered it in September, six inches deep. He stated: “It is even more likely that the ring, which was discovered just yards from the moat, was connected to the hall or belonged to someone who lived there because the hall where Catesby was born can only be accessed down a track.”

“In deede” implies that the giver of the ring was ready to demonstrate his allegiance via deeds rather than just words. It was a fantastic discovery and quite thrilling. Catesby was storing weapons and supplies in the hall, which served as the plotters’ base at the moment. One of the main conspirators, John Wright, who had attended York School with Guy Fawkes, also lived there. The plotters intended to centre their ongoing uprising around the Midlands if their attempt to assassinate King James I was successful.

However, they were undone by a treachery, perhaps by one of their own, who warned one of the lords to stay away in an anonymous letter. On the eve of the abortive attack, Guy Fawkes was found hiding in a cellar. He was subsequently given a hanging, drawing, and quartering punishment. On November 8, 1605, the king’s soldiers executed Robert Catesby and the Wright brothers at Holbeach House in South Staffordshire.

“Guy Fawkes, Catesby, and their network—many of whom were related by blood or marriage—moved between safe houses in the Midlands,” stated Charles Hanson of Hansons Auctioneers. The vast Catholic base in the area, who shared their opposition to the king, provided them with protection. It is intriguing to think that the hall belonged to one of the conspirators given its distant position, connection to Catesby, and the ring’s date and inscription. As they plotted one of the most daring strikes in UK history, picture it shimmering in the firelight.

Read more news on straightwinfortoday.com