The William Hewer mourning ring. A smoothly conforming D-shape mourning ring, set with a piece of oval faceted glass to centre in a closed back bezel setting, leading to decoratively carved shoulders with thistle and foliate motifs and flowing through to a solid carved shank with black niello detailing throughout, engraved to interior 'Wm Hewer. arm. obt 3. Dec 1715. aet 74'. Tested yellow gold, approximately 6.10 grams in weight, indistinct maker's mark, English, circa 1715-16.

This ring was discovered by a metal detectorist in Alderbury civil parish, Wiltshire, in November 2021. It has been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database Ref: DEV-E56548 and disclaimed as Treasure under reference 2021T949.

It is a true rarity to find a mourning ring in which the details of the one commemorated can be uncovered so fully. The life and times of William Hewer are extraordinarily well documented, him having been a close colleague and companion of famed 17th century diarist, Samuel Pepys. Indeed, Hewer is mentioned over 300 times by Pepys in his works.

Mourning rings were popular mementos of deceased loved ones in Britain in the 17th century. To find one with such an exceptional background that is so historically connected, we do not expect this ring to remain in the collection long.

William Hewer (1642-1715) was a notable figure in 17th century England. Born to Thomas Hewer, a stationer, and Anne, sister of Robert Blackburne, Secretary of the Admiralty, it was the recommendation of his maternal uncle which saw him appointed as clerk to Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist, in 1660. The two enjoyed a long working relationship and became trusted companions. In 1685 under the reign of King James II, Hewer was made member of parliament for Yarmouth Isle of Wight and in 1686 became a naval commissioner.

However, Hewer is most well known for his friendship with Pepys, who produced perhaps the most well known eye witness account of the 17th century. Pepys and Hewer remained close, with Pepys moving into Hewer's Clapham Common house in his old age. Upon Pepys' death in 1703, Hewer was executor of his will and was left the equivalent of about £50,000 in today's money. Hewer also became custodian of Pepys' library.

"And I pray my most approved and most deare friend William Hewer of Clapham in the County of Surrey Esquire to take the Trouble as my Executor of Seeing this is my Will performed and to accept of the said Summe of Five hundred Pounds as a very Small Instance of my Respect and most Sensible Esteem of his more than filiall affection and Tendernesse Expressed towards me through all the Occurences of my Life for Forty Yeares past unto this day..." - An excerpt from Samuel Pepys' will.

Hewer never married, and upon his death left his entire estate to his godson, Hewer Edgeley-Hewer, who took his surname.

This ring is in fine condition commensurate with its age. The black niello has worn slightly in some places but overall remains in good condition throughout. There are two nicks to the gold from where it came into contact with the trowel when it was unearthed. When considering the condition the ring was discovered in, it is unlikely that this piece experienced much wear.

This ring was made to commemorate the death of William Hewer who died at the age of 74 on the 3rd December, 1715. His will made provisions for 'mourning' and with a substantial portion of his estate left to his godson (Hewer Edgeley-Hewer), and it is quite possible that this ring was commissioned and worn by him.

The ring was subsequently discovered by a metal detector in 2021 in the area of Alderbury civil parish, Wiltshire.