Tiny Gold Book Found in English Field May Have Ties to Richard III
Discovery of a Remarkable Artifact
Buffy Bailey and her husband, Ian, were excited to begin their treasure hunt on farmland near York, England. Using a metal detector, Bailey stumbled upon a small gold object shaped like a book. Weighing less than an ounce and measuring half an inch in length, the artifact appeared to date back to the 15th century.
Identification and Significance
Experts at the Yorkshire Museum identified the figures depicted in the book’s open “pages” as Saints Leonard and Margaret, patron saints of childbirth. This discovery suggests that the gold book may have been worn by a woman for protection during pregnancy and childbirth.
Possible Connection to Richard III
The gold book was unearthed near Sheriff Hutton Castle, a former home of King Richard III. Experts speculate that the ornate object may have been owned by a relative of the king, possibly his wife, Anne Neville. The book’s similarity to the Middleham Jewel, a 15th-century gold pendant found near Richard’s childhood home, strengthens this connection.
Historical Context and Sumptuary Laws
During the 15th century, sumptuary laws prohibited anyone other than the nobility from carrying gold. This suggests that the gold book belonged to someone of high status, such as a member of the royal family.
Provenance and Ownership
Exactly how the gold book and the Middleham Jewel ended up lost in fields remains a mystery. Experts believe the owners may have intentionally buried them as acts of thanks or grief related to childbirth, or as a precaution during the English Reformation, when owning such religious images posed risks.
Kathleen Kennedy’s Perspective
Kathleen Kennedy, an expert on medieval and early modern material culture, disputes the claim that the gold book represents a Bible. She argues that English goldsmiths would have engraved well-known scriptural text onto the volume if they intended it to be identified as such.
Richard III’s Reign and Legacy
King of England from 1483 to 1485, Richard III was the last ruler of the House of York. His defeat at the Battle of Bosworth Field marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty. Richard’s guilt in the death of his nephews, the Princes in the Tower, remains a subject of debate.
Significance of the Find
The gold book is a unique and valuable find. Its potential connection to Richard III and its similarity to the Middleham Jewel make it an important historical artifact. Experts at the Yorkshire Museum are studying the book to learn more about its provenance and significance.
Potential Monetary Value
According to Buffy Bailey, the gold book could be worth over £100,000 (about $134,900). The museum may decide to purchase the object after it has been assessed and valued, with proceeds split between Bailey and the farmland’s owner.