Medieval brooch discovered near Diss

A medieval silver ring brooch that had lain forgotten for centuries has been discovered in a farm field near Diss.

It was found by a metal detector enthusiast who had the farm owner's consent to search the land. Both are now set to receive 50pc of the value after a treasure inquest.

The trustees of Diss Museum are keen to acquire the piece of jewellery for their collection, providing it meets their policy that artefacts must come from within a seven-mile radius of the town.

However, Jon Newman, Suffolk County Council's archaeology expert, was not prepared to reveal details about the location the brooch was discovered. The find dates from the 13/14th century and is 22mm in diameter.

“It was found by John French but we cannot say more than in Suffolk near Diss, and that it was a metal detector find,” he said. “These items do come up from time to time and it is not exceptionally rare, but it is a nice example, which is why the museum is interested.”

Mr Newman thought it unlikely the brooch would be worth thousands of pounds, but it would be for a valuation panel to decide its worth.

Clifford Bird, chairman of the museum trustees, said the key issue were how far away from Diss the site was, and how much they would need to pay. He added: “We are not flush with money, but if it's of local interest we would like to buy it,” he said.

The treasure inquest also featured a gilt silver coin brooch made from an Edward the Confessor penny, found near Bury St Edmunds which the British Museum wants to acquire, and six Henry II pennies from the Leiston area.

(Diss Mercury - 3 May 2007)