A spectacular gold ring around 1,400 years old, found in the Uttlesford District in 2011 by local metal detecting enthusiast Tony Carter, will go on display at the Saffron Walden Museum from Saturday 5th April, thanks to generous public support for the Museum’s recent appeal.

The Saffron Walden Museum Society was able to purchase "The North-Essex Ring", as it is known, thanks to generous grants from several Museum and Arts Funds, including the Essex Heritage Trust, alongside donations from local residents.

Highly decorated with Anglo-Saxon motifs including birds and interlaced ornament, the ring has been dated to 580-650 AD. The engraving on the bezel shows a belted human figure with a cross below a bird of prey and an intriguing mix of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Christian symbols which has really excited the experts.

Tony Watson, Chairman of Saffron Walden Museum Society Ltd said: “It is wonderful that such a remarkable find has been made in

Uttlesford district and that the Museum has received such an unprecedented level of support to acquire it. Now this ring and other treasure found locally can be enjoyed by everyone."

Saffron Walden Museum Curator Carolyn Wingfield added: “The new display not only allows people to enjoy these archaeological treasures, but also shows what a significant impact metal-detector finds, the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Treasure Act have had on archaeology in recent years."

The permanent display, which includes other local finds of archaeological treasure, can be found in the Museum’s archaeology gallery from Saturday 5th April. Opening hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday and 2pm-5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Admission is a recession-busting £1.50 for adults, 75p discounts and free for children (18 and under).

Visit the website for more info!