A TUDOR ring has been unearthed near a Hampshire village.

The ring, which dates back to the 16th or early 17th century, was found in a field in Hursley.

Amateur metal detectorist Angela Stone found the gold ring, believed to be a pilgrim sign, in a field in August last year.

The British Museum has confirmed its authenticity and Winchester museums are interested in acquiring it.

Central Hampshire coroner Grahame Short has ruled that the ring should be classified as treasure since it is more than 300 years old and its gold is of more than ten per cent purity.

Hampshire’s finds liaison officer Katie Hinds said: “It’s a fine work of art. They are a more unusual find and it’s in a lovely condition.”

She added that it was popular from the 14th century through to Victorian times for people to prove their pilgrimage with a badge or ring of some kind.