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Memorial and Mortuary Rings: Meres

John Meres, an 'Esquire Beadle' of Corpus Christi College, left, in 1558, to the Vice-Chancellor of the College a ring weighing a royal (valued at ten shillings): to Dr. Hutcher, a ring worth fifteen shillings, and a gold ring set with a cornelian to each of the 'supervisors.' Meres had a patent for being gauger in 1550.

Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury, gave by will (1575) a gold ring with a round sapphire to Edmund Grindal, Archbishop of York, who succeeded him in the see of Canterbury.

In Collins's 'Baronage' is the curious will of Thomas Sackville, Earl of Dorset (Lord High Treasurer in the times of Elizabeth and James I.), in which several rings are mentioned (see chapter on 'Token-Rings'). Amongst others ' a ring of gold enamelled black, wherein is set a great table diamonde, beying perfect and pure, and of much worth.' This ring, with other jewels, was given to him by the King of Spain. During the minority of his descendants, these were to be consigned, as heirlooms, 'in a strong chest of iron, under two several keys,' to the custody of the Warden, and a senior fellow of New College, Oxford.