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A medieval gold ring found in a field in the Banwell area has been officially declared as treasure.

The ring was found in October by Michael Wells who was out with his metal detector. An inquest has now been held to decide whether the ring is to be classed as treasure.

The Treasure Act 1996 is an Act of Parliament designed to deal with finds of treasure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

And at a hearing on Tuesday, November 14, at Avon Coroners Court in North Somerset, Assistant Coroner Terence Moore ruled the ring – which is believed to date back to the 13th century - is in fact treasure.



No value was given for the ring. The exact location of where it was found was also not disclosed.

The inquest heard how the ring had been examined by Somerset finds liaison officer Laura Burnett.

She said the piece of jewellery was a medieval gold stirrup finger ring and dated back to between the 12th and 13th century.

The ring had a green gemstone in the middle and was similar to other ones from that time which have been found.

Mrs Burnett said: “This is a delicate ring with a semi-precious stone. The shape of this ring was popular in the 13 century but could quite easily date back to the mid twelfth century.”

The inquest heard how as the ring consisted of more than 10 per cent precious metal and was more than 300 years it qualified as treasure under the treasure act.

It is understood the North Somerset Museum, based in Weston-super-Mare, has shown an interest in obtaining the ring.