Roman ring that inspired ‘The Hobbit’ on show

An ancient gold ring which is believed to have inspired JRR Tolkien to write The Hobbit is to have its own exhibition for the first time.

The ring, which was found in a farmer’s field in 1785, is linked to a Roman curse tablet that echoes the legends created by Tolkien in his novels.

It is to go on display at National Trust property The Vyne in Hampshire where the ring — which is inscribed in Latin and inset with an image of the goddess Venus — lay forgotten for many years.