A ninth-century Anglo-Saxon ring, discovered in the 18th century in Bramham Moor, West Yorkshire, continues to fascinate researchers with its runic inscription. The ring, currently housed in the Danish National Museum, is made of electrum – a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver – and weighs 40.22 grams with a diameter of approximately 29 millimeters.
The inscription on the ring, first published in 1736 by Francis Drake in his work Eboracum, has been the subject of scholarly debate for centuries. It reads ærkriufltkriuriþonglæstæpontol, a sequence of futhorc runes, the Anglo-Saxon alphabet. Similar inscriptions appear on a small number of other rings from the period, including the Kingmoor Ring, found in 1817, which bears a nearly identical formula.
Experts believe these inscriptions are likely magical in nature. A third ring, discovered before 1824, features a related inscription – ery.ri.uf.dol.yri.þol.ƿles.te.pote.nol – that appears to have partial origins in the Irish language, suggesting cultural exchange during the Anglo-Saxon period. Seven such runic rings are currently known to exist.
Other examples of these rings include one found at Wheatley Hill, County Durham, in 1993, now in the British Museum, which bears the inscription “[h]ring ic hatt[æ]” – “I am called ring.” A ring discovered at Coquet Island, Northumberland, before 1866, is now lost, but its inscription was recorded as “+ þis is -” (“this is…”). Another, found at Cramond, Edinburgh, between 1869 and 1870 and held by the National Museum of Scotland, contains the fragmentary inscription “[.]eƿor[.]el[.]u.” A ring unearthed at Thames Exchange, London, in 1989, and now in the Museum of London, is inscribed with “[.]fuþni ine.”
A separate, late Anglo-Saxon gold finger-ring, known as the Aethelwulf Ring, dates from between 828 and 858 AD. This ring, featuring a “tree of life” design flanked by peacocks, is inscribed around the hoop and includes a cross. It was found at Laverstock, Aberford, and is currently part of the British Museum’s collection.
The purpose and precise meaning of the runic inscriptions on the rings remain unclear, though research continues. The rings offer a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of Anglo-Saxon society, and the potential influence of other cultures, such as the Irish.
