Posy rings
Number recorded on PAS database: 832
This section on posy rings is limited to rings with an inscription of an amatory nature. The rings were exchanged between lovers and were a popular way of swapping secret messages. The name is derived from the French word for poem ‘poésie’.
The earliest rings date from around the 13th C and examples as late as the 19th C are recorded in the PAS database. Many different styles exist ranging from the very simple, plain bands with an inscription on the interior to highly decorated bands and inscriptions on both the interior and exterior. They are perhaps the most difficult of the ring categories to date and a number of factors need to be taken into account when attempting to assess their date of production.
Inscription language
Inscription position
Lettering style
Destination
List of all inscriptions (sorted alphabetically)
Inscription | Date | Makers' Mark | Image | PAS ID | Found (County) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As Cupid he hath shot his dart. So I pray you to ease my [heart symbol] | 17th-18th C | G | WMID-911B17 | Derbyshire | |
As God decreed foe wee agreed | 17th-18th C | WC | GLO-171AFA | Gloucestershire | |
As God decreed so we agreed | None | SF-B18C24 | Suffolk | ||
As God decreed so wee agreed | 16th-18th C | None | BUC-6C4D37 | Buckinghamshire | |
As God decreed so woe agreed | 17th-18th C | None | GLO-368E0B | Somerset | |
As God decreed soe wee a greed | 17th-18th C | II | LIN-C8E742 | Lincolnshire | |
As God decreed soe wee agreed | 17th-18th C | None | SOM-D4C2FF | Somerset | |
As God hath a ponted // so am I contented | 16th-18th C | None | YORYM-D4BF17 | North Yorkshire | |
As God hath apointed so am I contented | 17th-18th C | None | GLO-76F96C | Dorset | |
As God hath apoynted be contente | 17th-18th C | None | DOR-31404C | Hampshire | |
As God hath decreed soe wee agreede | 17th-18th C | MS | IOW-6C0F12 | Isle of Wight | |
As God wil so it shal be | 16th-17th C | None | GLO-B2BDDA | South Gloucestershire |
The rings:
