Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham was executed by Richard III in 1483

A metal detectorist in Surrey has unearthed an archaeological find that references one of the most notorious noblemen from the period of Richard the III.

The object, part of a horse harness decoration found in a field by metal detector enthusiast Chris Andre, is thought to relate to Henry Stafford, the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, one of the most colourful characters in British medieval history.

“It’s a circular decorated object – a bridle boss, rather like a hat with a wide brim,” explained Surrey County Council Finds Liaison Officer (FLO), David Williams. “It’s heavily decorated with six engraved lions and the letters HB repeated three times.”

“It is clearly an object for the nobility - being so heavily decorated - and I’m 95% certain that it relates to the Lord of the Manor at Bletchingly, Henry Stafford, the 2nd Duke of Buckingham.”

The medieval boss was found and reported by a metal detectorist in Surrey. © Surrey County Council/PAS

A key player in the Wars of the Roses, a pretender to the English throne and a man often linked to the death of the Princes in the Tower, Richard III eventually executed Buckingham in 1483.

The find linked to this remarkable figure came to light through the local Portable Antiquities Scheme, which allows metal detectorists and other members of the public to report their finds to an FLO for photographing and recording and to have the find location logged.

The lettering has been closely studied by British Museum medieval lettering expert John Cherry, who has verified that it is of a type used between the 1470s and around 1510.

Mr Williams explained that the bridal boss may not have been a personal possession of Buckingham’s - it is thought that Buckingham rarely visited his manor at Bletchingly - it may have been a possession of one of his retinue.

A PAS sketch of the boss clearly shows the six lions and the HB initials. © Surrey County Council/PAS

“It’s important because it can still be related to an historical individual,” he added, “and we do get bosses but they are usually plain, to get one with this degree of detail is very rare.”

And when the individual in question is none other than 2nd Duke of Buckingham, a figure referred to in Shakespeare's Richard III, the find is even rarer. After helping Richard to depose the young King Edward V, Buckingham was rewarded with the offices of Justiciar and Chamberlain of North and South Wales, and Constable of all the royal castles in the principality and Welsh Marches.

Following Richard’s coronation in July 1483 he was made Constable of all England. However, he soon withdrew to his castle in Brecon and eventually threw in his lot with Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond. During Henry’s abortive invasion and attempt to depose Richard, Buckingham made an equally abortive march into England with an army of Welshmen.

After his army melted away he went into hiding but was soon betrayed for a bounty, summarily tried and executed in Salisbury on November 2 1483.

The underside of the boss. © Surrey County Council/PAS

The medieval boss has now been handed back to the finder and although it is not known what he intends to do with it, it is hoped that he may at some point decide to give it to a local museum.

For more information about the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the vast array of finds reported and logged by members of the public in England and Wales see www.finds.org.uk.