Solid gold Roman ring among 400 artefacts found at metal detecting rally

A solid gold Roman ring, nearly 2,000 years old, was among over 400 artefacts discovered at a metal detecting rally in fields near Atworth over the weekend. 

The rally, organised by local fundraiser Gary Cook as part of his series of events raising money for local cancer charities, drew hundreds of detectorists from across the country.

Other notable finds included Roman silver coins (denarii), brooches, a complete Roman spoon, a medieval dagger handle, hammered coins dating back as far as the 12th century, a Charles I coin from the 17th century, and two later gold coins, a George I half guinea and a Victorian half sovereign, with the gold Roman ring standing out as the star discovery.

“It’s an incredible, very rare find,” said Gary. “The ring is solid 22–24 carat gold, complete with a Roman intaglio stone. Once it’s properly cleaned and restored it will look absolutely stunning. We’ve no real idea what it’s worth but you’re certainly talking thousands of pounds. It’s amazing, an extraordinary find.”

Under the Treasure Act 1996, the ring will now be officially recorded and assessed, and museums can express interest in acquiring it. If no museum comes forward, it may eventually be returned to the finder and landowner.

“In all, between 400 and 500 artefacts and coins were unearthed across the 600-acre site, including over 300 Roman coins and a whole range of other Roman items,” added Gary.

Rich Roman history

Atworth lies in an area rich in Roman history, with a villa excavated nearby in the 1970s and 80s. A Roman road also runs parallel to the site, making the land especially promising for detectorists.

The rally, which took place in fields around Atworth, was part of the Rodney Cook Memorial Rally series, which Gary founded in 2018 in memory of his father, who died from cancer. Since then, the annual rallies have raised more than £400,000 for cancer services at the Royal United Hospital in Bath and the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

£25,000-£30,000 raised

Although this was a smaller ‘No Frills’ rally, Gary said he still expects it to raise between £25,000 and £30,000. Two more smaller rallies are planned in the coming weeks, which Gary hopes will build on the weekend’s success.

Among those who travelled to Atworth was Janet Teahen, who came all the way from Iowa, USA, with her son. “He’s getting married in January and this was our last trip together before that,” she said. “We just hoped to find something really old and really special. And even if we don’t, we’re having fun anyway!”

Gary added, “It was a brilliant weekend – great finds, great people, and all for an important cause. My dad would be so proud.”