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Metal detector treasures on display at town's museum
Paul Jeeves AN ANGLO-Saxon pendant dating from the seventh century and a 550-year-old silver gilt ring have gone on display in North Yorkshire two years after they were discovered.
The two pieces of ancient jewellery have been bought by Harrogate Council's museums and arts section after they were declared treasure under the Treasure Act of 1996.
The ring and pendant were discovered in separate finds in the Kirk Deighton area of North Yorkshire, and were kept by the British Museum until an inquest was held to deem that the jewellery was treasure.
The Government's treasure valuation committee is understood to have split the undisclosed sum paid for the jewellery between the metal detectorists responsible for the finds and the owners of the land where the discoveries were made.
The ring and the pendant have now gone on display at the Courthouse Museum at Knaresborough Castle.
Ros Watson, Harrogate Council's curator of human history, said: "It is lovely to have them on display and they are a very interesting addition to our collection.
"There has already been a lot of interest in the two pieces, and we hope that the public will also enjoy being able to see them in the museum."
The oval gold and garnet pendant, which is 19mm long, is thought to have been one of several on a necklace which would have belonged to a wealthy member of Anglo-Saxon society.
The 15th century silver gilt ring, which is 23mm in diameter, has an inscription in old French, "Sauns de part", which means "without leaving".
This was a common phrase on love jewellery used to express devotion, although it may have had a religious significance because there is a cross and crown of thorns etched on the ring.
The Treasure Act of 1996 means that all finds of gold and silver objects which are more than 300 years old have to be officially declared before they can be deemed to be treasure.
PR.Jeeves@ypn.co.uk
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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