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FINGER RING
Unique ID: SWYOR-B03852
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
2007 T633 "TADCASTER AREA, NORTH YORKSHIRE: gold posy ring (2007 T633) Date: 16th-17th century Description: Small gold posy ring with geometric decoration to the external face. It is inscribed to the inside with the motto "TO LIGHT TO REQUITE". Discussion: Posy rings were popular love tokens often used as betrothal or wedding rings. The message was inscribed on the inside, so that it remained secret to all but the wearer and the giver. This particular motto is found on a ring within the British Museum's collection and is also recorded by Joan Evans in English Posies and Posy Rings (1931), although it appears in lower case and there is a slight spelling variation so that the inscription reads "Too light to requite". Evans records four instances of this motto: the 1596 Harleian MS; the Commonplace Book of 1633; the British Museum collection donated by A.W. Franks; and in the collection of a Mr. F. Stevens from Salisbury. Metal content: The precious metal content of the ring fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act in that it is greater than 10%. N. Awais-Dean The British Museum 29/11/07"
Sub class: posy
Inscription:
TO LIGHT TO REQUITE
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2007T633
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1500
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 0.86 g
Diameter: 14.7 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 21st October 2007
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Treasure case number: 2007T633
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: North Yorkshire (County)
District: Selby (District)
To be known as: Tadcaster
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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