In a remarkable discovery, a Post Medieval silver thimble has been declared treasure after being unearthed by metal detectorist Mr. Robert Edwards in Carew Community, Pembrokeshire in November 2020. The tall, narrow, and heavy thimble features intricate designs, including six transverse bands in a zig-zag pattern and a romantic inscription that reads, ‘*LYKE STIL AND LOVE EVER’.
Mr. Edwards shared his excitement about finding the thimble, stating, “I was out detecting under the shade of an oak tree and was having no luck, until I changed the program and found a great crisp signal.” He expressed his surprise at discovering the silver thimble and reflected on the history behind it, pondering about the possible stories tied to its previous owner.
Thimbles from the 17th century often featured ‘posy’ inscriptions, similar to those found on posy rings, suggesting they were intimate and romantic gifts exchanged between lovers. The find adds to the collection of valuable historical artifacts found in Wales, shedding light on the region’s rich heritage and past connections.
Following identification and reporting by experts at Amgueddfa Cymru, the thimble has sparked interest from Tenby Museum & Art Gallery, who are considering acquiring it for their collection after an independent valuation process. The discovery serves as a testament to the collaboration between metal detectorists, the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales, and museum curators, showcasing the community’s involvement in preserving and celebrating Wales’ fascinating history.
