The Medieval 13th Century Lovers Posy Ring

An outstanding medieval posy ring with a rectangular section hoop, bearing an inscription in Lombardic capitals on the exterior hoop, recorded as: ‘+ ETIB II N I TAMOR’. The inscription is punctuated with a number of decorative marks incorporating dots, a swirl motif, and a distinctive double-V device (a small v set within a larger V), appearing as:
+ . ET.IB . II : vV . N : ~ : I : TAMOR.

When the lettering is segmented correctly, the inscription reads ET IBI IVNGIT AMOR. This may be translated as “And there love unites us.” Equally, as Amor may be read in medieval Latin as a personification, it can also be understood as “And there Cupid unites us.” Such personification of Love as Amor (Cupid) is well attested in medieval inscriptions and devotional objects.

Circa AD 1200-1500, the band is misshapen but is still in fully wearable condition, with usual marks commensurate with age.

This ring was discovered by a detectorist at Bradfield, Essex in 2022. Bradfield, in 1086, had a recorded population of just 22 households. This ring has been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, ref: ESS-B9A945, and disclaimed as Treasure, ref: 2022-T770.