A ROMANTIC 17th century posy ring, inscribed with the words: 'No recompense but love,' was uncovered on the World Heritage Site at Avebury by a villager using a metal detector without permission, a treasure inquest was told yesterday.
Peter Cawley, of Trusloe Cottages, found the ring on October 29 last year, four inches below the surface on land owned by Robin Butler of Manor Farm, Avebury Trusloe. He did not have permission to use the metal detector on the land, but reported the find to Mr Butler on November 1 and deposited the ring at the Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
The inquest was told Mr Cawley had died since reporting his find, and his mother Nina Cawley, had since written to say she would not be claiming any compensation.
The ring is stamped with the name William Gough of Marlborough, a goldsmith who was twice mayor.
The value of the ring, estimated to be of 18 carat gold of good quality, will now be decided by the British Museum.
Wiltshire Coroner David Masters recorded a verdict that the ring is treasure trove. He said: "It would be nice to see it in the Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes."
The museum has said it would be interested in acquiring it.
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