A post-medieval silver pendant adorned with engravings of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria, crafted by a medallist from the court of the King, has been declared treasure today.
Discovered by Nicholas Davies during a metal detecting excursion in July 2020, this 17th-century pendant was promptly handed over to Amgueddfa Cymru for identification and reporting, under the guidance of Sian Iles, curator of medieval and later archaeology.
King Charles (Credits: The Hollywood Reporter)
The pendant, bearing portraits of both monarchs on its double-sided medallion, features King Charles I facing right with the Latin inscription ‘CAROLVS. D. G. MAG. B[RI. FR.]ET. HIB. RX’ encircling his profile. On the reverse, Queen Henrietta Maria is depicted facing left, surrounded by the inscription ‘HENRIETTA MARIA. D.G. M.A.G. BRITAIN. FRAN. ET. HIB. REG’.
Stamped beneath the Queen’s bust is the name T. Rawlins, identifying Thomas Rawlins as the medallist and engraver, who served at the court of Charles I and was reinstated by Charles II following the Restoration.
These pendants were distributed to supporters of the King and may have also been bestowed upon individuals who fought on his behalf during the civil wars of the 17th century.
Similar commemorative royalist pendants bearing the mark of Thomas Rawlins can be found in the collections of the British Museum and the Royal Collections Trust.
King Charles (Credits: Reuters)
Nicholas Davies, the finder, described his discovery as a poignant moment of unearthing history, pondering the stories behind the pendant and its previous owner.
Sian Iles, curator at Amgueddfa Cymru, emphasized the significance of such artifacts in reflecting the turbulent loyalties during the Civil Wars in Wales, showcasing loyalty to the monarchy and providing evidence of Royalist sympathies.
Councillor Hazel Evans of Carmarthenshire County Council commended the collaborative efforts between metal detectorists, PAS Cymru, and Amgueddfa Cymru, highlighting the pendant’s role in shedding light on Carmarthenshire’s rich seventeenth-century history.
Expressing interest in acquiring the pendant for its collection, Carmarthenshire Museum awaits its independent valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee.
