Key Highlights
- A gold ring discovered by a metal detectorist near the birthplace of Robert Catesby may be linked to the 1605 Gunpowder Plot.
- The ring is expected to sell for up to $15,800 at auction on November 27.
- Experts believe the inscription “Your Frende in Deede” suggests a strong sense of loyalty among the conspirators.
- Catesby was one of the leaders behind the failed plot to blow up Parliament and kill King James I.
A Historical Ring Sparks Interest Among Experts
History enthusiasts in England have their eyes on a piece of jewelry that could rewrite the narrative of one of Britain’s most notorious conspiracies. A gold ring, unearthed by metal detectorist Andrew Rose near Bushwood Hall, the birthplace of Robert Catesby, may be linked to the 1605 Gunpowder Plot.
The Discovery and its Significance
Andrew Rose made the remarkable discovery on November 25, 2025, about six inches underground in Bushwood, Warwickshire. The ring features an inner inscription reading “Your Frende in Deede,” a phrase that resonates with the clandestine world of the Gunpowder Plotters. “The words ‘in deede’ suggest that whoever gave this ring was prepared to prove his loyalty in actions rather than just words,” explained Rose, who shared his findings with news agency SWNS.
Linking the Ring to Catesby and the Plot
Bushwood Hall holds a significant place in history. It was both the birthplace of Robert Catesby, the mastermind behind the plot, and served as a hideout for the conspirators. “Given the remoteness of the hall’s location,” said auctioneer Charles Hanson, who will be selling the ring at Hanson Auctioneers on November 27, 2025, “its link to Catesby, the date, and inscription of the ring, it is tantalizing to imagine it belonging to one of the plotters.” The ring is expected to fetch up to $15,800 at the auction.
Contextual Background on the Gunpowder Plot
The 1605 Gunpowder Plot was a failed assassination attempt against King James I by English Catholics. Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament, but their plans were foiled when they were discovered hiding in the cellars with 36 barrels of gunpowder on November 5, 1605. Robert Catesby, a key figure in the conspiracy, was born near Bushwood Hall and played a crucial role in organizing the plot.
The ring’s discovery adds another layer to our understanding of this historic event. “Imagine it glinting by firelight as they planned one of the most audacious attacks in U.K. history,” Hanson added, emphasizing the potential significance of the artifact.
For now, the exact connection between the ring and any specific plotter remains speculative.
However, its historical value cannot be denied. As the auction approaches, experts continue to analyze the ring, hoping it might unlock more secrets from that tumultuous period in British history.
Andrea Margolis, a lifestyle writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, sheds light on this intriguing discovery: “The ring’s inscription and location near Catesby’s birthplace make it an exciting piece of historical evidence.” The story serves as a reminder that the echoes of history can still resonate through unexpected discoveries.
