WESTMINSTER SCHOOL HEADMASTER’S MEMORIAL RING HEADING HOME AFTER 300 YEARS

A gold memorial ring with a memento mori skull motif inscribed to Head Master Dr Richard Busby (1606-1695) which was discovered by metal detectorist Amanda Parker in Catforth, near Preston (Lancashire) has been purchased by Westminster School in an auction of Jewellery at Noonans on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Busby was the head master of Westminster School from 1638 until his death; and described as “the most celebrated schoolmaster of his time.” He is buried in Westminster Abbey and among his many notable pupils were philosopher John Locke, architect Christopher Wren, playwright John Dryden, diplomat Matthew Prior, composer Henry Purcell and physicist Robert Hooke.

School Archivist, Dr Elizabeth Wells, said: “It is thrilling that the ring has returned to Westminster. Dr Busby is one of our most celebrated Head Masters, serving for nearly 57 years. He was also a generous benefactor, leaving his personal library to the school which is still used today. The ring is an important addition to our collections and will be used for teaching at the school and made available to academic researchers. We look forward to putting it on display at the start of the new school year in September.”

Amanda watched the auction online, as did the landowner. When she found out that the school had purchased the ring, for a hammer price of £3,200, she said: “I am so pleased they were successful in the auction, and the ring is going back to where it belongs. Dr Richard Busby dedicated much of his adult life to Westminster School, and it is fantastic to see one of his memorial rings returning 331 years after his death. The school very kindly invited me to visit, where I was able to see some of the artefacts relating Busby in their collection. It was a fabulous day, and I am looking forward to returning to see the ring on display in September.”