​The Oxfordshire Medieval Posy Band

Period: 14th – 15th Century (Late Medieval)

​Original Material: Copper Alloy (Bronze)

​Find Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Style: Simple D-section band with internal inscription

Significance of the Design:

• The “Posy” ring (derived from the French poésie or poetry) is one of the most charming traditions in British jewellery history. While the exterior of the band appears as a humble, understated circle, the true “soul” of the ring is hidden on the inside.

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  In the Medieval world, these rings were given as tokens of love, friendship, or betrothal. The internal surface was engraved with a short, private message or “motto”—often in Norman French or Middle English – intended only for the wearer to know. This hidden inscription allowed the ring to act as a secret bond between two people. In Oxfordshire, a county defined by its medieval universities and noble estates, such a ring would have been a sophisticated symbol of devotion among the educated and merchant classes.

The Find: 

Discovered by a metal detectorist in the Oxfordshire countryside, the original artifact is a classic “D-section” band (rounded on the outside, flat on the inside). Despite centuries in the earth, the internal engraving remains partially visible through the authentic green patina. The smooth, rounded exterior suggests it was worn constantly for many years, acting as a permanent reminder of a medieval promise.