[MR] BBC: Two Treasure Finds from Norfolk

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Yesterday the BBC offered stories on two recent medieval treasure finds
from Norfolk.

The first is a 14th or 15th century silver belt or strap end found
unearthed by a metal detectorist last September. The item would have been
fitted to the end of the belt to prevent fraying. The piece bears a
low-relief image of a bird-like creature with a human head. It is made of
silver, but shows traces of gilding.

The strap end can be seen at
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-68294105 .

The second item is a small gold brooch from the 13th or 14th century, again
found by a metal detectorist, which surfaced in 2022. The brooch is in the
form a ring with two praying hands extending outward from the ring. The
ring itself is inscribed with initials suggesting some sort of prayer or
magical incantation: +M NV AV VN on the outer face, and ED VM TR VN on the
inner. The local archaeologist who examined the piece was stumped by what
the initials actually mean.

The brooch can be viewed at
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-68206434 .

A tip of the *chapeau-à-bec* to Lady Sarah Sinclair for spotting these two
stories.

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep Merry Rose relevant and in business.