AN HISTORIC gold ring from the Bronze Age which was discovered by a metal detectorist near Whitchurch has been declared treasure by a coroner.

The inquest which took place on Thursday, January 19 in Shirehall in Shrewsbury heard the pennanular ring was found last year by Tim Adams in Prees on Thursday, December 15.

A report to the findings was prepared by North Wales finds liaison officer, Dr Susie White and findings from it were read out in the court.

The report said: "The ring is made from four strands of gold wire.

"The ends are cut which forms the current C shape."

The court heard there are rings from the bronze age period similar to finding in Prees.

The report added: "It is a multi-bred form and made of relatively narrow cords and there are parallels found on three other bronze age rings.

"Each of these hoards have been dated to the middle of the Bronze Age.

"This suggests this ring may have been dated from this period."

The report concluded: "In terms of age and being made with the 10 per cent precious metal, this object would qualify as treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996."

Having read the report Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin senior coroner, John Ellery concluded: "Dr White dates the findings from 1300BC to 1100BC and the content is more than 10 percent precious metal.

"Therefore I declare the find as treasure."

The gold penannular ring has been described as “the latest incredible find of Bronze Age gold from north Shropshire, following the discovery of the Shropshire Sun Pendant in 2018”.

Emma-Kate Lanyon, curator for Shropshire Council’s museums service, added: “Over the past 20 years a number of important finds of prehistoric goldwork have be made in north Shropshire. This ring is another clue, showing us that the people living in the area 3,000 years ago were part of a rich and sophisticated community.

“Although their use is uncertain, similar rings have been found decorating bracelets and other objects. These decorative rings are amongst the most common items of gold to survive from the British Bronze Age.”