10 Rediscovered British Treasures

In the Wash, a tidal estuary located in eastern England, King John’s medieval crown jewels are believed to lie hidden. In 1216, while crossing the bay with a baggage train carrying these treasures, the group was overtaken by the tide, and the priceless artifacts were lost to the waters. Despite numerous claims of discovery, no concrete evidence has surfaced, leaving the jewels a tantalizing mystery. Yet, the tales of these 10 rediscovered treasures offer a glimmer of hope.

1. Sutton Hoo

This treasure—bearing resemblances to the renowned Staffordshire Hoard—wasn’t lost but deliberately buried as part of an elaborate Anglo-Saxon funeral, likely for Raedwald (who died around 625 CE). While the 18 mounds on the site had been looted over time, the largest remained untouched. In 1939, landowner Edith Pretty, inspired by her archaeologist father’s work, enlisted amateur archaeologist Basil Brown to investigate the peculiar mounds on her property. Little did she know this excavation would reveal one of Britain’s most historically significant finds.

Beneath the mound was the outline of a 7th-century ship, 88 feet (27 meters) long, with a burial chamber at its center. Although the ship and body had disintegrated due to acidic soil, 263 artifacts buried with Raedwald survived. These included Byzantine silver bowls, Greek-inscribed spoons, a large silver platter from Constantinople, a Scandinavian shield, a purse of Frankish coins, and locally crafted swords and household items. The king was also buried with spare clothing and mail armor at his feet. The most iconic artifact was his helmet, now a symbol of the Anglo-Saxon era.

Sutton Hoo’s treasures reshaped our understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period. Once dismissed as the Dark Ages, it is now recognized as a culturally rich era, with trade connections stretching as far as modern-day Sri Lanka and Turkey, despite Britain’s remote location.

The discovery occurred just months before World War Two, forcing the treasure to be reburied for safekeeping in a disused London Underground tunnel. It wasn’t until 1951 that the artifacts were displayed to the public. Today, they are a highlight of the British Museum’s collection.

Over the years, the Sutton Hoo site has continued to reveal new discoveries. In 1991, the remains of a warrior and his horse were unearthed beneath mound 17.

2. The Alfred Jewel

In 1693, a Somerset local stumbled upon an extraordinary piece of late Anglo-Saxon jewelry while ploughing a field. This artifact is now famously known as the Alfred Jewel.

The tear-shaped artifact measures 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters) and features an animal head, possibly a dragon, at its base. A small hole in the mouth once held a wooden or ivory rod, while a gold frame above, engraved with the Tree of Life, encases an enamel portrait protected by a large piece of rock crystal. Widely believed to be the handle of a reading pointer, or aestel, the Alfred Jewel stands out due to its direct link to one of England’s most influential kings. The gold frame bears the inscription: Ælfred mec heht ġewyrċan, meaning “Alfred ordered me made.”

The Alfred referenced is Alfred the Great (848–899), King of Wessex, renowned as a warrior, scholar, and arts patron. Discovered just eight miles from Athelney, the village Alfred used as a stronghold during his Viking campaigns, the jewel holds historical significance. From Athelney, Alfred launched his 878 counter-attack, driving the Danes from southern England. In 888, he founded an abbey there to commemorate his victory and distributed aestels, along with his translation of Pope Gregory the Great’s Cura Pastoralis, to monasteries across his kingdom.

Several theories exist about the portrait’s subject, with possibilities including Alfred himself, Christ, or the personification of “sight,” symbolizing the act of reading. Another hypothesis suggests it could depict Alexander the Great, known for acquiring knowledge through sight and often portrayed holding floriated sticks, similar to the figure in the jewel.

The aestel remained privately owned until 1718, when it was gifted to Oxford University. Today, it is exhibited at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

3. The Lewis Chessmen

Picture strolling along the shore and stumbling upon a box of exquisitely crafted medieval chess pieces instead of the usual seaside debris.

The Lewis chessmen remained concealed on a beach on Scotland’s Isle of Lewis for nearly six centuries until their discovery in 1831. The exact circumstances of their discovery are unclear, but the most popular account involves a local named Malcom McLeod, who reportedly found them while following his cow onto the beach. Stories vary—some say he uncovered them in a box hidden in a small cave, while others claim he or even the cow unearthed them.

While the details of their discovery are murky, the mystery of how they were lost is even greater. The Isle of Lewis, part of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, lies off the northwestern coast. Its proximity to Scandinavia has deeply influenced its history: Vikings arrived in the 8th century, and the region remained under Norwegian control until 1266. The chessmen, crafted in 11th-century Norway, reflect the local culture and artistry. Some pieces may have been used for hnefatafl, an ancient Viking board game similar to chess.

Crafted from walrus ivory and sperm whale teeth, the chessmen originated from the same workshop, though not all were made by a single artisan. Their pristine condition and the presence of nearly four complete sets, along with additional gaming pieces, imply they were newly crafted stock intended for a high-status individual. How they ended up on a beach remains an unsolved enigma.

Regardless of their initial discovery in 1831, Roderick Rirrie acquired the chessmen and chose to separate the sets for sale. The British Museum obtained 82 pieces, while 11 were sold to private collectors before being acquired by the National Museum of Scotland in 1888. Six pieces are displayed on Lewis, but one knight, three warders, and 44 pawns are still unaccounted for.

4. The Middleham Jewel

Middleham, a quaint town in the North Yorkshire Dales, lies 235 miles north of London. In the late 15th century, it was a hub of royal influence. The castle was owned by Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, also known as Warwick the Kingmaker, a key ally of Edward IV and a central figure in the Wars of the Roses. Richard, Duke of Gloucester, lived there as a boy and later made it his home after marrying Anne Neville, the Earl’s daughter, in 1472. Gloucester ascended to the throne as Richard III in 1483.

Following Richard’s death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, Middleham’s prominence waned, and the castle deteriorated over time. However, in 1985, the town regained attention when amateur metal detectorist Ted Seaton made one of the most remarkable discoveries in detecting history. He wasn’t actively searching at the time—his machine, left on during his walk back to the car, began beeping, leading him to unearth an extraordinary piece of medieval jewelry.

The Middleham Jewel is a diamond-shaped pendant crafted from gold and sapphire, measuring 2.4 inches (6.4 centimeters). It features holes around the edges, suggesting it was once adorned with pearls, and traces of blue enamel paint remain. The front depicts the crucifixion, accompanied by the Latin inscription Ecce Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi ... miserere nobis (“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world … Have mercy upon us”). Additional inscriptions include Tetragrammaton (the Hebrew name for God) and Ananizapta (a charm believed to ward off epilepsy).

The reverse side is particularly significant. It portrays the Nativity with the Lamb of God below, surrounded by 15 saints. The back opens to reveal a cavity that likely held a holy relic, with four small pieces of gold-embroidered silk found inside. These features indicate the pendant was more than mere adornment—it held deep religious significance.

The pendant was likely worn by a woman. The Nativity scene, positioned against the body, along with the sapphire symbolizing the Virgin Mary and the inclusion of nine female saints, suggests it was designed to safeguard the wearer during pregnancy or childbirth. Additionally, the sapphire was believed to protect against ailments like ulcers, poor eyesight, headaches, and stammers.

The jewel’s significance lies in its undeniable connection to Richard III. Medieval depictions indicate it was worn by high-status women, and its location and timing suggest it may have belonged to a royal relative. The prime candidate is Anne Beauchamp, Countess of Warwick, Richard’s mother-in-law, who had two daughters and at least one miscarriage. Alternatively, it could have been owned by his mother, Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. Another compelling theory is that Richard gifted the jewel to his wife during her pregnancy with Edward, Prince of Wales, who was born at Middleham in 1473.

In 1986, the Middleham Jewel entered private ownership, but plans to export it were halted. It was eventually acquired by the Yorkshire Museum, where it remains on display for visitors to admire.

5. The Middleham Ring

The Middleham Jewel wasn’t the only royal-linked treasure unearthed at Middleham. In 1990, a gold ring was found, engraved with 12 “S” symbols, a motif associated with Henry IV.

In the early 15th century, the castle was owned by Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmorland, a brother-in-law and staunch supporter of Henry IV, the Lancastrian king. After seizing the throne from his cousin, Richard II, in 1399, Henry faced numerous rebellions throughout his reign.

Henry mastered the art of exploiting local rivalries to secure his power. The Nevilles’ northern rivals, the Earls of Northumberland, rebelled in 1403. Ralph seized the chance to eliminate his adversaries, playing a pivotal role in crushing the uprising. His loyalty was rewarded, and seven years later, Henry IV stayed at Middleham during a royal tour of northern England.

There are two theories about how the Middleham Ring ended up at the castle, though its loss remains a mystery. One suggests it belonged to someone in the king’s entourage who lost it while removing a glove (the ring was designed to be worn over clothing). The second theory stems from the word Sovereynly inscribed inside the ring, meaning “of regal manner,” hinting it may have been a personal gift from Henry IV to Ralph Neville for his unwavering loyalty.

6. The Sheriff Hutton Gold Book

Sheriff Hutton, located 40 miles from Middleham and just 13 miles from York, became part of Richard III’s holdings after his marriage to Anne Neville. In 2021, amateur metal detectorist Buffy Bailey decided to scan the area by chance. Hoping to avoid distractions, she began detecting and immediately received a signal. Initially expecting something mundane like a sheep ear tag, she was stunned to uncover a tiny golden book, realizing she had found something extraordinary.

The miniature treasure, often thought to depict an open bible—though some debate this—measures just 0.5 inches (1.5 centimeters). Its interior pages are engraved with images of St. Leonard and St. Margaret, the patron saints of women in labor and expectant mothers, respectively.

The book was quickly associated with Richard III, and for good reason. Dating to the 15th century, it shares the same exquisite craftsmanship as the Middleham Jewel, suggesting they may have been created by the same artisan. As king, Richard used Sheriff Hutton as the headquarters for his northern government, the Council of the North, and he and his family frequently stayed there. Both he and Anne were familiar with the castle from their youth. Additionally, its connection to childbirth hints it may have belonged to the same female relative who owned the Middleham Jewel.

The golden book is currently under evaluation by the Yorkshire Museum, which aims to acquire it and display it alongside the Middleham Jewel in the near future.

7. A (Potential) Fragment of the Tudor Crown

Following the War of the Three Kingdoms, the royal coronation regalia was confiscated, stripped of its jewels, and melted down under the orders of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector. This included the English state crown, worn by every monarch since Henry VIII and famously depicted in portraits of Charles I, its final owner.

The crown, likely commissioned by Henry VII to symbolize his new dynasty, was far more ornate than those of medieval kings. Crafted from 84 ounces (2.4 kilograms) of gold, it featured 344 precious stones—emeralds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, and diamonds—alongside five miniature gold figures. Originally, three depicted Christ, but after the Reformation, they were replaced with England’s saintly kings: St. Edmund, St. Edward the Confessor, and Henry VI (who, though never canonized, was venerated by the Tudors as their spiritual predecessor).

It was long believed that the statuettes shared the crown’s fate, but in 2017, metal detectorist Kevin Duckett discovered a figure resembling Henry VI. The question remains: is this the figure from the Tudor crown?

The statue, standing 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters) tall, is made of solid gold with green and white enamel. It aligns with descriptions of the Tudor crown’s figures, and the Hampton Court replica features a nearly identical depiction of the king. The discovery site is near where Charles I lost the Battle of Naseby, suggesting it may have been dropped during the royalists’ retreat. Alternatively, it could be a pilgrim’s badge, worn by someone visiting a religious site, despite clearly depicting Henry VI.

The British Museum is conducting further research, confirming only that the artifact is medieval. While undoubtedly a treasure, its royal origins remain unverified.

8. The Honours of Scotland

Following the War of the Three Kingdoms, Scotland also faced the loss of its royal regalia. Despite sharing a monarch with England, Scotland remained independent. However, Cromwell was equally determined to destroy Scotland’s symbols of monarchy as he was England’s.

The English had previously seized the Honours, Scotland’s crown jewels, in 1296, prompting the Scots to create a new set of regalia. This included not only a crown but also two significant papal gifts: the scepter and the Sword of State. Although James V later remodeled the crown, it was used in the coronation of every Scottish monarch after it was placed on the forehead of the 9-month-old Mary, Queen of Scots in 1543.

When England became a republic in 1649 and executed Charles I, Scotland chose to remain a monarchy. The Honours were used to crown Charles II at Scone Palace in 1651. As English forces closed in, the regalia were rushed to Dunnottar Castle. Facing inevitable capture, two women—Elizabeth Douglas, the castle commander’s wife, and Christian Fletcher, the local minister’s wife—devised a plan. They smuggled the regalia out, either concealed in flax or lowered in a seaweed basket, and buried them under the floor of Kinneff Old Kirk, where they stayed hidden for nine years. After Charles II’s restoration, the Honours were recovered and returned to Edinburgh, except for the sword belt, which was found in 1790 embedded in a wall at Dunnottar Castle.

The Honours faced another period of obscurity. Following the formation of Great Britain in 1707, the Scottish regalia were deemed unnecessary and locked in a chest within a sealed room in Edinburgh Castle. Forgotten for 111 years, they were rediscovered in 1818 by Sir Walter Scott. With the Prince Regent’s approval, Scott and a group of officials broke into the room and found the regalia untouched.

Today, the Honours are displayed in a fitting setting at Edinburgh Castle. Though unused since Charles II’s coronation, the resurgence of Scottish independence discussions raises the possibility they may one day crown Charles III.

9. The English Coronation Spoon

The English coronation spoon stands as one of the most exquisite examples of medieval metalwork still in existence. Created in the 12th century, it was likely gifted to Henry II or Richard I for ceremonial use. First documented among the regalia in 1349, it was already considered an antique by then. By 1603, it had become the instrument for anointing the monarch with holy oil, reflecting the belief that kings were divinely appointed.

The spoon should have been destroyed along with the rest of the English royal regalia during the 1649 revolution. Instead, Cromwell decided to sell it to fund the new government. Clement Kynnersley purchased it for just 16 shillings—a negligible amount even for the time, worth less than a horse and equivalent to about $99 (£82.81) today. The low price may have been due to Kynnersley’s involvement in arranging the sale.

Kynnersley, who had served as one of Charles I’s yeomen of the wardrobe—responsible for managing the king’s clothing and furnishings—safeguarded the spoon for the nation. He kept it hidden for a decade until the Restoration in 1660, when he returned it to Charles II. Today, it is displayed alongside the modern crown jewels at the Tower of London.

The spoon remains the sole surviving piece of the medieval coronation regalia.

10. The Mary Rose

Constructed in 1510, the Mary Rose was named after the Virgin Mary and the Tudor dynasty’s emblem. Some believe Henry VIII may have contributed to the design of this advanced battleship, which could carry eight heavy cannons and was the first of its kind to feature gunports.

The ship served for 34 years before disaster struck—and unlike many other treasures, its loss is well-documented.

On July 19, 1545, the French fleet arrived in the Solent, off England’s south coast. The Mary Rose, alongside 80 other English ships, sailed to confront them. After firing from its starboard side, the ship began to turn when a sudden gust of wind caused it to tilt low into the water. With its gunports still open, water flooded in, sinking the Mary Rose within minutes. Only 35 of the 500 crew members survived.

The Mary Rose remained lost for 400 years until Alexander McKee launched the Project Solent Ships initiative in 1965 to locate it. McKee and his diving team spent six years searching, with their first breakthrough in 1968 when they detected an unusual shape on the seabed. However, it wasn’t until 1971 that they confirmed it was the Mary Rose. Another 11 years of meticulous excavation and planning followed before the ship could be raised.

On October 11, 1982, millions in the UK watched live as the Mary Rose’s hull emerged from the water. After extensive preservation efforts, the ship is now displayed in a dedicated museum in Portsmouth, alongside many recovered artifacts. A portion of the ship remains underwater, with archaeologists hopeful of uncovering more lost treasures.

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the Sutton Hoo burial site was also known as the Staffordshire Hoard.