Posted on 07/04/2007 1:45:36 PM PDT by blam
500-year-old bronze disc is found in field
Jul 3 2007
By Mark Davison
A HORSE harness decoration thought to have belonged to a lord of the manor at Bletchingley more than 500 years ago has been unearthed in a field.
Chris Andre, a member of the Reigate-based Weald and Downland Metal Detecting Club, handed the artefact to an archaeological expert for identification.
David Williams, Surrey County Council's finds liaison officer, has revealed that the small circular bronze disc may have been a personal belonging of Henry Stafford, who held the manor of Bletchingley in the late 15th century, or one of his retinue.
Specialists at the British Museum studied the style of the lettering of the initials "HB" on the decoration and said that they were of the type used between the 1470s and about 1510.
Henry Stafford was the second Duke of Buckingham and was heavily involved in the War of the Roses.
He was executed by Richard III in 1483 and is referred to in Shakespeare's play about the king.
Mr Williams believes that Henry never personally came to Bletchingley.
Henry was born in 1454 and died aged 29.
He played a major role in the rise and fall of Richard III.
He is also one of the primary suspects in the disappearance - and presumed murder - of the Princes in the Tower.
The Duke was related to the royal family of England in many ways.
It is said he was "his own cousin many times over", but his connections were all through daughters of younger sons.
It is claimed that at one stage he came within striking distance of the crown.
Some historians apparently claim the duke's deliberate plotting to seize the throne started as early as the reign of Edward IV.
The manor house of Bletchingley was Bletchingley Place.
The earls of Stafford held the manor since 1346.
Humphrey Stafford, who died in 1460, visited the village occasionally, said Mr Williams.
He was succeeded by his grandson, Henry, the second Duke of Buckingham.
Mr Andre, the finder of the decoration, lives in Sutton and is one of the detecting club's newest members.
Today's Place Farm House dates back to the 18th century.
It was formed out of the 16th century gatehouse of Bletchingley Place and its 17th century barn, which, when standing, comprised the manor.
God only knows what you could find with a metal detector in the parts of the world like this that have been long-settled. This is a likely kind of find, considering the prominent role of horses in harness back then.
Give it back, it’s MINE!!
(eBay here I come)
LOL!!
What the hell is wrong with you? That just wasn’t right!
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