A ROYALIST relic from the Stuart era of British history found by a detectorist near Penrith has been classed as treasure, an inquest has found.
A coroner has found that a complete Post-Medieval Silver Charles I pendant, found on land near Penrith on November 13, 2024, can be officially classified as treasure.
The pendant was found by Mark Wilkinson, who the inquest confirmed had permission to be metal detecting on the land, which due to the Treasure Act 1996 code of practice, and the Chief Coroner's guidance, should be referenced only by 'vague location', to protect the identity of the site and the landowner.
An item can be classed as treasure if, on the balance of probabilities, is not a single coin, is more than ten per cent precious metal, and is at least 300 years old when found.
Senior Coroner for Cumbria, Ms Kirsty Gomersal, read an expert report on the pendant submitted by Theodore Muscillo, Finds Liaison Officer for Lancashire and Cumbria.
It described the item as oval, and a 'silver post-medieval royalist medallion, pendant or badge'.
On one side is an engraving of 'a moulded bust of a person with a beard and long hair - Charles I, facing left, with lovelock on shoulder, lace collar, armour and scarf'.
A royal coat of arms used between 1603, the beginning of the reign of James I, and the end of James II's reign - 1688, is seen on the reverse.
This is inscribed with the Anglo-Norman maxim, 'Honi soit qui mal y pens', which the report said translates as 'May anyone who think ill of me be shamed'.
Mr Muscillo wrote that due to the presence of Charles I, whose took to the throne in 1625, and the royal coat of arms used until 1688, the pendant was made during this time.
He noted: "Report sets out that Burton suggests that royalist badges such as this one were made during the period 1640-1648, however this is based on limited evidence."
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It measures 23.8mm in length, 19.3mm in width, and is 1.8mm thick, weighing 2.7 grammes.
A letter from the British Museum requesting the inquest stated that Tullie Museum in Carlisle had expressed an interest in acquiring the pendant.
Ms Gomersal accepted the evidence and confirmed the item as treasure, before addressing the owner of the site and finder in court.
She offered her 'congratulations to Mr Wilkinson and the landowners for such an exciting find on your site', and expressed hope to 'see this item in public very soon'.