Two historical artefacts dating back more than 300 years, including a post-medieval gold posy ring inscribed with a romantic hidden message and a medieval silver brooch, have been officially gifted to the Museum of Liverpool. The rare items were unearthed by authorised metal detectorists on building land in the North West owned by housebuilder Persimmon Homes North West.
Because of their age and precious metal content, both items legally qualify as national treasure under the Treasure Act 1996. In a generous move, the finders and the housing developer chose to waive all financial compensation rather than claiming a statutory cash payout. This decision allowed the objects to enter the permanent public collection directly without draining regional museum acquisition funds.
The Hidden Love Message in Gold
The standout recovery of the find is an enamelled gold posy ring dating from the post-medieval period, roughly between AD 1550 and 1650. While the exterior displays delicate floral motifs, the interior band conceals a poignant phrase: “+ FAVER AS I FINDE”. Experts translate this romantic sentiment approximately to “I love you just as I find you.”
Posy rings derived their name from the French word poésie (poetry). People commonly traded them as intimate tokens of affection, courtship, or marriage across Britain between the 15th and 17th centuries.
Alongside the ring, detectorists retrieved an older piece of personal adornment: a medieval silver annular brooch dating to approximately AD 1250 to 1350. The piece features a distinct rope-like ornamentation around one face, though its fastening pin has been lost to history.
“Objects like this ring and brooch can tell us more about people who were living in Merseyside in the past. It is brilliant to be able to care for this Treasure in the Regional Archaeology collection.”
How the Treasure Act 1996 Guided the Discovery
A widespread misconception is that historical finds automatically belong entirely to whoever uncovers them. Under British law, strict legal protocols govern how ancient items are handled, assessed, and conserved through the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
- Precious Metal Verification: Any found metallic item at least 300 years old containing at least 10% precious metal legally constitutes treasure.
- Mandatory Notification: Discoveries must be reported promptly to the local Portable Antiquities Scheme Finds Liaison Officer.
- Valuation Process: Finds undergo independent valuation, traditionally split equally between the landowner and the finder if purchased by a museum.
- Public Transfer: Finders and landowners retain the legal right to waive cash rewards, allowing items to pass as gifts directly into public hands.
Preserving Regional Heritage for the Public
| Artefact Description | Estimated Period | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Annular Brooch | Medieval (AD 1250-1350) | Silver |
| Gold Posy Ring | Post-Medieval (AD 1550-1650) | Enamelled Gold |
The ring and brooch have been placed on public view as part of the Museum of Liverpool’s major exhibition, Treasure: History Unearthed, running until March 29, 2026. The display tracks centuries of lost items uncovered throughout the regional landscape.
“We are delighted to have donated these artefacts to the specialists at the Museum of Liverpool so their stories can be told, and people can enjoy an interesting piece of local history,” representatives for the project noted. Responsible metal detecting and prompt reporting remain essential tools for saving vulnerable heritage from being lost forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a posy ring?
A posy ring is a type of finger ring worn in the 15th through 17th centuries in England and France. It is inscribed with a short piece of poetry or a romantic sentiment on the inside or outside of the band.
What does the inscription on the Merseyside ring mean?
The interior band of the gold ring is inscribed with “+ FAVER AS I FINDE,” which experts translate to mean “I love you just as I find you.”
Why did the finders and landowners not receive money?
Under the UK Treasure Act, finders and landowners are entitled to a reward split. However, they have the legal right to waive their compensation to donate the items directly to a museum.
Where can the gold posy ring and silver brooch be viewed?
The items are currently on public display at the Museum of Liverpool as part of the Treasure: History Unearthed exhibition.
What criteria make an item official treasure in the UK?
Generally, metallic objects (other than coins) that are at least 300 years old when found and contain at least 10% precious metal (gold or silver) qualify as treasure.
