A MEDIEVAL signet ring found in St Martins has been classed as treasure.

The ring, the location of which was not revealed at a treasure inquest at Shrewsbury’s Shirehall on Thursday, was found on June 23, 2017 by two men with metal detectors.

It was reported to Dr Susie White, of National Museums and Galleries Wales, who co-authored a report with Peter Reavill, a finds liaison officer for the British Museum in Shropshire and Herefordshire.

In their report to Shropshire Coroner John Ellery, the pair described the ring as being in fantastic condition and believe it dates to the 1400s.

They added: “The form of the ring fits with examples dated to the period AD 1350-1550 – many of which bear religious iconographic designs.

“They fell out of fashion at the Reformation and are rarely seen or constructed after AD 1550. This example is very large and robust weighing almost 16 grams.

“The bezel (centre) of the ring depicts a medieval windmill known as a post-mill as it sits on three substantial legs.

“The design is well cut and would have acted as a personal seal matrix for impressing into wax to close or authenticate documents. The sides of the ring are further decorated with religious images of St Christopher and John the Baptist.

“Inside the ring (on the reverse of the bezel) is the depiction of the Virgin Mary with the body of Christ in her arms.

“This hidden symbol would have been invisible when worn and would have been in direct contact with the finger of the ring’s owner.

“Each image is believed to protect the wearer. In this example the use of St Christopher would have protected the wearer from sudden death being the patron saint of travellers.”

Mr Ellery declared the find was treasure and it will now be valued.