Amateur treasure hunter finds medieval ring worth £70,000 in Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest
Delighted Mark Thompson believes discovering the ring which could date back to the 14th century might "change his life"
A TREASURE hunter unearthed this medieval ring in the heart of Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest which could be worth up to £70,000.
Mark Thompson, who spray paints fork lift trucks, was in the famous Nottinghamshire woodland for just 20 minutes when his metal detector sounded.
The 34-year-old, who had only taken up the hobby 18 months ago, was expecting to find something innocuous.
But as he shovelled the dirt, a glint of gold emerged on ornate piece of jewellery with a precious sapphire.
Auctioneers have since told him that the precious ring could fetch between £20,000 and £70,000.
Mr Thompson said: "I had been out metal detecting with a group for about 20 minutes when I heard the signal.
"I was really excited when I saw that it was gold, but I didn't realise at that point just how significant it might be.
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"I called my friend who came down to take a look and help see whether there was anything else related nearby.
"If it does prove to be as valuable as we think it might be, it would completely change my life.
"I'm renting at the moment and I'd love to be able to buy a house or move into somewhere more comfortable."
Dot Boughton, a regional finds liaison officer, confirmed that the ring is undergoing tests at the British Museum and the case has been referred to the coroner so it can be formally classified as treasure.
It is believed the ring, which is engraved with an infant Christ on one side and a female saint on the other, dates from the 14th century.
It's the find of a lifetime - I never expected to unearth anything like that. I'm still in shock when I think about it - it was such an exhilarating moment."
Mark Thompson
Ms Boughton's report into the ring compares the stone with one used on the tomb of former Archbishop of Canterbury William Wytlesey, who died in 1374.
Mr Thompson is now waiting for the coroner to set a date for an inquest to confirm the ring is treasure, and it will be valued by experts and offered to museums if so.
Mr Thompson will receive the reward as the finder.
Another amateur treasure hunter, who unearthed a precious Tudor ring in North Yorkshire, recently received a five-figure sum for his find.
A lucky dad is set to reap a life-changing £250,000 windfall after discovering he owned the rarest British coin ever made.
When it comes to long forgotten, sunken, treasure-filled shipwrecks; the Cornish coast reigns supreme.
Amateur divers can try their luck at spots such as Rill Cove, where a wreck from 1619 lies with the bulk of its gold cargo still intact, or at Hanover Cove, where £60k of riches (worth appox £8million today) were carried on the ill fated Hanover ship.
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