In March 2023, a metal detectorist made an intriguing discovery on farmland near Matching, Essex - an Early Medieval ring dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
The ring was recognised as treasure and reported to the Essex Coroner as well as the county's Finds Liaison Officer (FLO).
Since the parish of Matching falls within the collecting area of the Epping Forest District Museum and the ring addressed a gap in the collection, the museum, thanks to multiple funders, was able to acquire it.
The nearly complete gold ring, which is of national significance and dates from 550 to 640 AD, is crafted from a flat sheet of gold.
The front of the ring features a bird in flight motif made of garnet. Surrounding the bird, both on the front and back, the ring is adorned with intricately detailed beaded gold wire.
An Anglo-Saxon individual of high status would likely have worn this ring to display immense wealth, signify their social standing, or serve as a protective magical amulet.
Gold was rare, incorruptible, and highly valued, typically worn by the societal elite, such as warriors or royalty.
Some rings, like this one, may have also had protective properties.
The central bird motif might symbolise the god Woden, the Anglo-Saxon equivalent of the Viking god Odin. Woden was associated with wisdom, war, death, and magic.
In Anglo-Saxon art, birds often represented Woden’s two companion ravens, Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory), who acted as his messengers and spies.
This symbol on the ring could have been intended to provide the wearer with the protection of Woden and his ‘raven god’ persona.
Between 550 and 640 AD, the Kingdom of the East Saxons was being established.
The region was initially pagan, and archaeological evidence indicates that early in this period Essex was marked with significant migration and cultural change.
Settlers from Old Saxony in modern northwest Germany established farms and rural communities in the area.
By the late 6th and early 7th centuries, Essex was increasingly influenced by the powerful Kingdom of Kent, which converted to Christianity around 600 AD, a change facilitated by Saint Augustine.
During the 7th century, influenced by Kent, the East Saxons began to convert to Christianity. However, this conversion was neither immediate nor permanent, resulting in multiple shifts between Christianity and paganism.
This beautiful and fascinating ring tells the story of Anglo-Saxon life in Essex, showcasing craftsmanship, social standing, and, potentially, religious practices.
Thanks to generous funding from the V&A Purchase Grant, the Headley Trust, the Essex Society for History and Archaeology (ESHA), the Art Fund, the West Essex Archaeological Group (WEAG), the Waltham Abbey Historical Society (WAHS), and private donations, the Epping Forest District Museum CIO was able to purchase this significant piece.
This collective effort has allowed for the preservation and sharing of our rich heritage, fostering a deeper connection to our history for generations to come.
The ring will be going on display in the museum’s Core Gallery in May 2026.
- Ian Channell is the manager of Epping Forest District Museum (efdmuseum.org.uk).
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