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Histories of Northamptonshire
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Brigstock Jewel

Medieval 1450 Medieval to Tudor

Mid-15th century jewelled brooch or hat pin found in Brigstock, within the medieval Rockingham Forest which covered large areas of Northamptonshire.

Gold and precious stone jewelled brooch or hat pin dating to mid-15th century © Victoria and Albert Museum
Gold and precious stone jewelled brooch or hat pin dating to mid-15th century

The Brigstock Jewel dates from 1400 to 1450. It is speculated that it was lost by a member of the nobility or even by royalty while out hunting. It was found by metal detectorists in June 2017 on farmland near Brigstock, which was once a medieval deer park within the royal hunting forest of Rockingham.

The jewel consists of a spinel or Balas ruby set in gold with two diamonds. A third diamond has been lost. Each diamond is surrounded by curled gold petals, which have been enamelled in white. Spinels from Asia, often indistinguishable from true rubies, feature on royal regalia and the Imperial State crown of the UK features a large spinel known as the Black Prince’s ruby. In medieval times each precious stone was given a meaning. Diamonds and red jewels were linked to strength.

Such a valuable jewel of exquisite workmanship would only have belonged to nobility or even royalty. The date of around 1450 fits the period when the young King Edward IV and Richard III may have hunted in this area, based at their family home in nearby Fotheringhay. Surviving paintings of them show a similar jewel in their hats. The Brigstock Jewel is on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Number 44 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.

Main Image: © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Brigstock
Contributed by Rockingham Forest Vision

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