A 16th-century gold ring which may have belonged to one of the gunpowder plot conspirators is expected to make £8,000-£12,000 at auction this month <Nov 27>.
Bearing the rare, and sinister, inscription Yovr Frende in Deede (Your Friend in Deed), it was discovered by a metal detectorist next to Warwickshire birthplace of the plot’s mastermind, Robert Catesby.
The inscription may hint at both the close bond between the conspirators, and a pledge of allegiance to the “deed” of blowing up parliament on November 5, 1605.
According to the British Museum, such an inscription is unknown on any similar ring which experts dated to the late 16th or early 17th century, when several plotters were staying at the hall.
At the time the gold bands, known as posy rings, were given as gifts among male friends to symbolise affection, allegiance or support between allies.
It was unearthed last September by Birmingham metal detectorist Andrew Rose, six inches deep in a recently-ploughed field adjacent to the moated Bushwood Hall in Lapworth where Catesby was born in 1572.
He said: “The hall where Catesby was born can only be accessed down a track which means it is even more likely the ring, which was found only yards from the moat, was connected to the hall, or was owned by someone who lived there.
“The words ‘in deede’ suggest whoever gave the ring was prepared to prove his loyalty in actions rather than just words. It was a great find and hugely exciting.”
At the time of the plot the hall was being used as base for the plotters, with Catesby stockpiling weapons and supplies there.
It was also home to one of the key conspirators, John Wright, who had been at school with Guy Fawkes in York.
Had the plot to kill King James I succeeded; the plotters planned to put the Midlands at the heart of their ongoing revolt.
But the plotters were undone by an act of betrayal, likely from one of their number, who wrote an anonymous warning letter to one of the lords advising him to stay away.
Guy Fawkes was discovered hiding in a cellar on the eve of the failed attack and was later sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered.
Robert Catesby alongside the Wright brothers were killed by the king’s men at Holbeach House in South Staffordshire on November 8, 1605.
Charles Hanson said: “Guy Fawkes, Catesby and their network – many of whom were related by blood or marriage – moved between safe houses in the Midlands. They were protected by the region’s large Catholic base who were, like them, against the king.
“Given the remoteness of the hall’s location, its link to Catesby, the date and inscription of the ring, it is tantalising to imagine it belonging to one of the plotters. Imagine it glinting by firelight as they planned one of the most audacious attacks in UK history.”
Auction Details
Auction: Derby November Historica, Coins, Banknotes & Tokens Auction
Auction date: 27th November 2025 | 9:30am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
