Buried treasure discovered in South Somerset sheds light on Roman era
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
An exceptionally rare Roman gold ring discovered in South Somerset is providing archaeologists with valuable new insights into life in Britain during one of the Roman Empire’s most turbulent decades.
The artefact, known as the Ilminster Ring, was uncovered alongside a hoard of coins and other objects during an archaeological excavation near Ilminster in 2018.
Following a successful fundraising campaign, the South West Heritage Trust has now acquired the treasure and plans to place it on public display at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton.
Experts believe the ring dates to shortly after AD 297, a period marked by political instability and conflict across the Roman world.
Gold jewellery from late Roman Britain is exceptionally uncommon, making the discovery particularly significant. The ring features elaborate gold craftsmanship and a finely engraved gemstone, known as an intaglio, which has survived in remarkable condition despite spending more than 1,700 years underground.
According to Amal Khreisheh, Senior Curator at the South West Heritage Trust, the find is helping researchers better understand the lives of affluent Romans living in south Somerset during a challenging period of history.
“Roman gold is really rare, most jewellery is made out of silver or bronze in this period, so it’s really striking to see in such good condition,” Khreisheh said.
She explained that the discovery sheds light on how local Roman communities navigated the unrest that affected the empire between AD 286 and 296, a decade marked by political upheaval and uncertainty.
The ring stands out not only because of its material value but also because of its craftsmanship and historical context. Khreisheh described it as a “nationally significant find”, highlighting its importance to understanding Roman Britain during the late third century.
“The Ilminster Ring is both large and heavy, with elaborate goldwork and a beautifully executed intaglio.
“It is likely the ring was buried shortly after 297 as part of a hoard including coins, lead and pottery objects.”
The discovery suggests that some members of Roman society retained considerable wealth and status despite the wider instability affecting the empire at the time.
The ring was discovered by metal detectorist Kevin Minto from Amesbury, who participated in the excavation in 2018. Although the significance of the find was not immediately apparent, the reality of what had been uncovered became clearer once the day’s work was over.
“At the time, you’re tired from digging all day,” Minto recalled.
“When you see it, it’s all a bit overwhelming and it didn’t really sink in until I got home that night.
“I put the coins on the table and was like, ‘wow’.”
The discovery of both the ring and the associated hoard has since attracted considerable interest from archaeologists and historians alike.
To secure the ring for the region, the South West Heritage Trust raised £78,010 with support from Arts Council England and charitable organisations.
Following specialist conservation work, the Ilminster Ring will become part of the Museum of Somerset’s Roman collection, allowing visitors to view one of the most important Roman discoveries made in the county in recent years.
The acquisition ensures that the artefact will remain accessible to the public while continuing to contribute to research into Roman Britain’s social, economic and political history.
( Photos: Pixabay Library / South West Heritage Centre 📸 )