The South West Heritage Trust has acquired an extraordinary Roman gold finger ring discovered near Ilminster, South Somerset.
Dating to around AD 297, the Ilminster Ring is a truly remarkable find. Weighing an impressive 48 grams, it is unusually large and exquisitely crafted, set with a finely engraved gemstone depicting the goddess Victory driving a two-horse chariot. Rare both in scale and artistry, it is an unparalleled discovery for Britain and a unique find for South West England.
The Ilminster Ring is an outstanding Roman gold finger ring with a dark blue and light grey nicolo engraved gem. Victory is shown in the form of a draped female figure with wings and a helmet. She holds a whip in her left hand and reins in her right. The chariot is represented by a simple curved line above a four-spoked wheel. The pair of horses spring forward on their hind legs.
With Grateful Thanks
South West Heritage Trust raised £78,010 to acquire the Ilminster Ring and Hoard, with support from the Arts Council England / V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Art Fund with a contribution from the Wolfson Foundation, and The Headley Trust, alongside generous local support from the Friends of The Museum of Somerset, Ilminster Town Council, Taunton U3A and Ilminster Education Foundation.
Community Engagement
This summer, the Ilminster Ring will take centre stage in a programme of community engagement. In June, the Trust will visit local primary schools, giving children the chance to explore Roman history through this extraordinary object. An Ilminster Ring Discovery Day will also take place at Ilminster Arts Centre on 20 August, featuring creative activities, talks and opportunities to learn more about life in Roman Somerset.
Roman Collections
The Ilminster Ring was discovered in 2018 by metal detectorist Kevin Minto while detecting with the landowner’s permission. Following conservation work, the ring will significantly enhance the Roman collections on display at The Museum of Somerset.
“The Ilminster Ring is both large and heavy, with elaborate goldwork and a beautifully executed intaglio. While other examples are known, these elements combine to create a spectacular ring that is only paralleled by continental discoveries.
“Its discovery sheds light on how South Somerset’s Roman inhabitants navigated a period of unrest from 286–296. It is likely the ring was buried shortly after, in 297, as part of a hoard including coins, lead and pottery objects,” Amal Khreisheh, Senior Curator at South West Heritage Trust
“We’re delighted to support the South West Heritage Trust in acquiring the remarkable Ilminster Ring through the Arts Council England / V&A Purchase Fund. This acquisition is testament to the continuing impact of the Fund, our colleagues at the V&A’s expertise and support, and the value of Arts Council England investment across the nation. We’re excited to see how this extraordinary find will inspire deeper engagement with Somerset’s rich history,” Aysha Afridi, Director (Museums), Arts Council England