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LOVE, ALLEGIANCE AND WEALTH IN FIFTEENTH-CENTURY WALES: THE RAGLAN RING AND ITS CONTEXT

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 June 2022

Mark Redknap
Mark Redknap*
Affiliation:
Department of History and Archaeology, Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP, UK. Email: mark.redknap@museumwales.ac.uk
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Abstract

In 1998 a massive gold signet ring was found by metal detecting in the parish of Raglan, Monmouthshire (Gwent), close to Raglan Castle. Now generally known as the Raglan ring, it is a remarkable example of late medieval goldsmiths’ work. This paper considers its motifs, legend, date and stylistic affinities. Its findspot is close to the castle-building programme at Raglan continued by William Herbert (executed 1469), who projected his position as premier supporter of the House of York in a variety of ways. Possible ownership is discussed, as is its wider context (including newly discovered signet rings from Wales).

Keywords

treasureRaglanfinger ringWilliam HerbertflowersgoldsmithsBattle of Edgcote (1469)
Type
Research paper
Information
The Antiquaries Journal , Volume 102 , September 2022 , pp. 206 - 227
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Society of Antiquaries of London

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