The Middleham Jewel was found in 1985 near Middleham Castle in North Yorkshire by metal-detector Ted Seaton. How did a C15th amulet found at the castle promote discussion about the complex relationship between theology, spell-casting, medicine and prayer, in late medieval England?
![]()
But who had commissioned this jewel? It was a fine example of an English goldsmith’s work of c1450–99, an amulet offering both religious and magical protection. Of course the castle had been home to many powerful lords, but its likely date had suggested it was in the lifetime of the most famous occupant, King Richard III (1452-85).
The solid gold pendant weighing 68 grams was beautifully engraved with a Trinity and Nativity, and set with a large blue sapphire. The blue colour related to the Virgin Mary, and the Nativity scene suggested that the jewel assisted in childbirth. Probably it was a reliquary containing a holy relic, an amulet to protect the wearer eg an Ananizapta charm against epilepsy, written in Latin on the border. The blue sapphire above the Crucifixion was believed to enhance prayers and also to cure ulcers, poor eyesight, headaches and stammers. And the extract from the Mass is followed by the magic word, the Latinised Hebrew name of God.
Each side of the 6.4 cm high, lozenge-shaped pendant was engraved with a religious scene. On the outward side is a beautiful engraving of the Crucifixion. On the inward face is a Nativity scene above an image of the Lamb of God. A Latin extract from the Mass: Behold the Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world … Have mercy upon us, framed the Crucifixion scene, and around the Nativity stood 15 tiny images of saints. This part was conventional religious imagery, while other elements of the jewel inhabited the border between medieval religion, magic and medicine.
![]()
ruins of Middleham Castle today.
credit: webbaviation.
A large congregation of goldsmiths was located in Cheapside and also plenty of goldsmiths on London Bridge. Presumably there would have been goldsmiths in York as well.
A large congregation of goldsmiths was located in Cheapside and also plenty of goldsmiths on London Bridge. Presumably there would have been goldsmiths in York as well.
But who had commissioned this jewel? It was a fine example of an English goldsmith’s work of c1450–99, an amulet offering both religious and magical protection. Of course the castle had been home to many powerful lords, but its likely date had suggested it was in the lifetime of the most famous occupant, King Richard III (1452-85).
The solid gold pendant weighing 68 grams was beautifully engraved with a Trinity and Nativity, and set with a large blue sapphire. The blue colour related to the Virgin Mary, and the Nativity scene suggested that the jewel assisted in childbirth. Probably it was a reliquary containing a holy relic, an amulet to protect the wearer eg an Ananizapta charm against epilepsy, written in Latin on the border. The blue sapphire above the Crucifixion was believed to enhance prayers and also to cure ulcers, poor eyesight, headaches and stammers. And the extract from the Mass is followed by the magic word, the Latinised Hebrew name of God.
Each side of the 6.4 cm high, lozenge-shaped pendant was engraved with a religious scene. On the outward side is a beautiful engraving of the Crucifixion. On the inward face is a Nativity scene above an image of the Lamb of God. A Latin extract from the Mass: Behold the Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world … Have mercy upon us, framed the Crucifixion scene, and around the Nativity stood 15 tiny images of saints. This part was conventional religious imagery, while other elements of the jewel inhabited the border between medieval religion, magic and medicine.
Left. The Crucifixion on front side
Right: The Nativity on back side
The gold Jewel has a 10 carats blue sapphire..
English Heritage
It is likely that this high status item was owned by a relation of Richard III, possibly his wife Anne Neville, mother Cecily Neville or mother-in-law Anne Beauchamp (1426–92), widow of Warwick the Kingmaker and mother-in-law of Richard III. It is uncertain who owned this combination of magic and religion, though she must have been very rich to commission such a treasure. The jewel was the only survivor of similar adornments often depicted as being worn on necklaces by great late C15th English noblewomen. I hope it was Anne Neville who married Richard in 1472 and gave birth at the castle to Prince Edward of Middleham, Prince of Wales (c1475–84), son and Richard’s heir apparent. The jewel may well have been given to Anne to protect her in childbirth; after all Edward was Richard's only legitimate child.
Much more than a mere fashion accessory, this rich pendant was also packed with a holy relic! It opened to reveal four fragments of gold-embroidered silk, but they were not recognised. Nonetheless it was likely that the Jewel protected its wearer against the dangers of childbirth, the greatest hazard to all medieval women. And not just the Nativity imagery on the face of the Jewel; note several saintly childbirth-helpers among the figures that framed it.
In Aug 1485, Richard met the Lancastrian forces of Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth Field. During the battle Richard was abandoned by Thomas Stanley Earl of Derby, Sir William Stanley and Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland. The switching of sides by the Stanleys severely depleted the strength of Richard's army and influenced the outcome of the battle. As did the death of close friend John Howard, Duke of Norfolk demoralised Richard’s side.
![]()
Tiny gold bible, with saints Leonard and Margaret
The gold Jewel has a 10 carats blue sapphire..
English Heritage
It is likely that this high status item was owned by a relation of Richard III, possibly his wife Anne Neville, mother Cecily Neville or mother-in-law Anne Beauchamp (1426–92), widow of Warwick the Kingmaker and mother-in-law of Richard III. It is uncertain who owned this combination of magic and religion, though she must have been very rich to commission such a treasure. The jewel was the only survivor of similar adornments often depicted as being worn on necklaces by great late C15th English noblewomen. I hope it was Anne Neville who married Richard in 1472 and gave birth at the castle to Prince Edward of Middleham, Prince of Wales (c1475–84), son and Richard’s heir apparent. The jewel may well have been given to Anne to protect her in childbirth; after all Edward was Richard's only legitimate child.
Much more than a mere fashion accessory, this rich pendant was also packed with a holy relic! It opened to reveal four fragments of gold-embroidered silk, but they were not recognised. Nonetheless it was likely that the Jewel protected its wearer against the dangers of childbirth, the greatest hazard to all medieval women. And not just the Nativity imagery on the face of the Jewel; note several saintly childbirth-helpers among the figures that framed it.
In Aug 1485, Richard met the Lancastrian forces of Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth Field. During the battle Richard was abandoned by Thomas Stanley Earl of Derby, Sir William Stanley and Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland. The switching of sides by the Stanleys severely depleted the strength of Richard's army and influenced the outcome of the battle. As did the death of close friend John Howard, Duke of Norfolk demoralised Richard’s side.
Richard had no legitimate heir, so when Henry Tudor/Henry VII father of King Henry VIII was killed Richard at Bosworth, he quickly seized the throne. Richard’s death effectively ended the Wars of the Roses.
**
**
The jewel was bought by Yorkshire Museum in 1992 for a huge amount (£2.5 m) in order to keep this fine piece of English Gothic jewellery in Britain. It was then displayed in the Yorkshire Museum York.
Since then, two metal detectorists have recently had another amazing find - a tiny gold bible, beautifully engraved. And what made the news even better was that it was the second discovery made near the remains of the old Neville strongholds. This new find was found close to a footpath on farmland near Sheriff Hutton, while the Jewel was found near Middleham Castle. Not only were they were possibly both owned by members of the Neville family, but both objects displayed the patron saints of childbirth.
Since then, two metal detectorists have recently had another amazing find - a tiny gold bible, beautifully engraved. And what made the news even better was that it was the second discovery made near the remains of the old Neville strongholds. This new find was found close to a footpath on farmland near Sheriff Hutton, while the Jewel was found near Middleham Castle. Not only were they were possibly both owned by members of the Neville family, but both objects displayed the patron saints of childbirth.
found in 2021, Yorkshire Museum.
Note St Margaret of Antioch was patron saint of expectant mothers and her dragon emblem was based on one of her trials. St Leonard of Noblac was often patron of women about to give birth, following the story of Clovis' wife