The 15th century gold heart-shaped brooch that sold for £20,800 at Hansons in Derbyshire.
Estimated at £6000-8000 at the auction on August 23, it sold at £20,800 (plus buyer’s premium) to a private UK buyer. The high-carat jewel, inlaid with white enamel, is engraved in medieval French Honour et Ioie (honour and joy).
It was unearthed by a metal detectorist in 2016 on land bordering the moat of Kirby Muxloe Castle, the seat of William Hastings. He fought alongside Edward IV at Towton in 1461 and was executed for treason on the orders of Richard, Duke of York (later Richard III).
The location has led to speculation that the jewel may have been a gift from Hastings to his wife Katherine Neville, who lived at Kirby Muxloe until she died in 1504.
