A gold ring that could have belonged to a member of Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot is expected to trigger a fierce bidding war - with specialists predicting it could sell for up to £12,000.

The 16th-century band, inscribed with the ominous message "Yovr Frende in Deede" (Your Friend in Deed), was discovered just yards from the birthplace of plot ringleader Robert Catesby.

The engraving is believed to represent unwavering loyalty and might reference the lethal scheme to destroy Parliament on November 5, 1605.

Specialists claim the phrase has never been seen on comparable posy rings from that period, and could indicate a clandestine alliance between the Catholic conspirators who schemed to assassinate King James I.

The ring was uncovered by metal detectorist Andrew Rose, who discovered it si

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