A GOLD ring discovered in a Ryedale field could be up to 700 years old.

Metal detectorist Steve Whitehead, who found the ring on a dig not far from Sinnington last month, had hoped it was linked to one of Henry VIII's wives.

Catherine Parr, the king's sixth wife, had previously been married to the lord of the manor in Sinnington, prompting the possible connection.

Steve has now received a report from the British Museum, which rules that out, but suggests it could be a knight's love token from the 14th or 15th century.

"I am disappointed to find that its not associated with Catherine Parr in any way," he said. "But I'm hopeful now the text has been deciphered and it's possibly 100 or 200 years older."

The ring will now go to a coroner's inquest where the facts of the find and whether the artefact is treasure will be determined.

The latter may prove fairly routine as the British Museum report states: "In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10 per cent precious metal it qualifies as treasure."

After the inquest, the ring, which could be worth £20,000, will be valued, with half the reward going to Steve, who lives in Fulford, York, and half to the landowner.

The report adds: "Similar rings inscribed with Gothic script appear to originate in the 13th century when knightly culture, specifically courtly love, prompted the giving of gifts or love tokens from a knight to his lady. Such rings tended to also be ornamented with floral sprays alongside the amatory mottos".

Its Gothic or black letter script roughly translates to: "As good and evil always endure, quiet the evil in our heart".

The report adds: "The bezel is set with dark blue glass.

"A chip is present to one corner of the glass within which a fracture pattern can be determined, which is unlikely to occur within a gem or precious stone and suggesting a glass composition."