Gold pendant from Middleham: the story of the find

In the world of archeology and history, there are often artifacts that embody the mysteries of distant eras. One of these amazing finds is a diamond-shaped gold pendant discovered in 1985 near Middleham Castle in Yorkshire. According to scholars, this pendant was used as a container for a sacred relic or object of worship.

Middleham, a historical site imbued with a mystical aura and associated with a number of historical events, including the life of Richard III. King of England since 1483 from the York dynasty, the last representative of the Plantagenet male line on the English throne.

Richard III's family lived in Middleham in the second half of the 15th century, and some scholars believe the pendant may have some connection with that ruler or his circle.

The front of the pendant is engraved with the image of the Throne of Mercy, a symbol that had deep religious meaning for that time. And the inscription in Latin, originally made in blue enamel, traces of which are visible just to the right of the sapphire.

It is also assumed that the sapphire was not the only precious stone that adorned this pendant. The researchers came to this conclusion after a detailed study.

However, despite numerous studies, the true purpose of this pendant remains a mystery. There is a hypothesis that it could serve to store some kind of sacred relic or be used as an object of worship.

Others have suggested that it may have been a piece of jewelry that belonged to a high-ranking official such as Richard III or a member of his family.

Interestingly, not far from this place, soon after the discovery of the pendant, a miniature gold Bible was found. Scientists suggest that these objects could belong to the hand of one master.

Since 1991, the gold pendant has been in the Yorkshire Museum. It remains not only a testament to ancient times, but also an exquisite artifact that reminds us that jewelry from the past can hold unsolved mysteries.

Source: bbc.co.uk