Bid to solve ‘lord of the rings’ puzzle

ARCHAEOLOGISTS are trying to unravel a real-life ‘lord of the rings’ puzzle.

They are trying to discover how a ring, probably a wedding band, with a romantic inscription ended up on the river bed in one of the country’s most visited medieval cities.

The gold band was discovered in an archaeological trawl of the River Nore in the heart of Kilkenny city. Inside the band is the inscription As Sver to thee as death to me.

The band, which may be a wedding ring, was found under John’s Bridge during an archaeological investigation carried out as part of the ongoing River Nore Drainage Scheme.

Someone may have lost it from the bridge. But a jilted husband or wife may also have cast the band into the waters, archaeologists believe.

Archaeologist Ian Doyle has examined the ring. He said tests have been carried out on the band and it is gold. There are no hallmarks on it, which initially led him and others to believe that it may have dated from the 13th century, before gold was stamped.

“The ring looks far too fresh to be that old. It may have been made some time around the late 17th century. The legend is also engraved around the inside of the band, as opposed to the outside, which suggests a much later date than the 13th century.

“This discovery, like all others, has been reported to the National Museum,” he added.

Meanwhile, it has also emerged that a large underground passageway of national historic importance was destroyed during the ground work for more than 360 houses in Louth.

The passageway was destroyed at lands between Haggardstown and Blackrock where Louth County Council has just granted permission for 363 homes. The souterrain was found by local man Pat Rafferty while out walking his dog.

A small notice stating it had been discovered was published in two local newspapers last Wednesday. The next morning it had been destroyed.

A sketch was made of the souterrain and it was found to be about 52 feet long. The floor was about 4.5 feet below ground and shards of pottery and flint were found, which will be given to the National Museum.

The council said machinery was doing exploratory work and the council had not been aware of the souterrain.