In a twist of fate that could only be described as remarkable, a retired couple in Dorchester, Dorset, stumbled upon an unexpected treasure while investigating the tragic deaths of two hedgehogs in their garden pond. What began as a simple drainage project turned into the discovery of an extremely rare 12th-century stone font, fetching a staggering £4,000 at auction.
A retired couple investigating the death of two hedgehogs in their garden pond found an extremely rare 12th century stone font which sold at auction for £4,000
The couple, whose identities remain undisclosed, initially embarked on the task of draining their pond after finding the unfortunate hedgehogs. As they began the process, they made a startling revelation – what they had assumed to be the concrete lining of the pond turned out to be something far more extraordinary.
Continuing their excavation, the pair unearthed the remnants of a medieval treasure – a stone font adorned with intricate carvings of birds and mythical creatures amidst scrolling foliage. The discovery didn’t end there. After scouring the area, they unearthed the base and even a support pillar for the font, buried inconspicuously in a nearby rose garden.
The font, also known as a well head, is carved with birds and mythical beasts in scrolling foliage
Experts examining the find speculate that the font, also known as the wellhead, could trace its origins back to late 12th-century Italy. It’s a piece shrouded in mystery, leaving unanswered questions about its journey to England and why it ended up buried beneath the surface of their pond.
The couple initially believed that the rim of the font was the concrete lining of the pond, but as they continued to dig, the medieval treasure emerged
When the font was presented at auction by Duke’s in Dorchester, it commanded a significant price tag, selling for £3,000 with additional fees bringing the total to £4,000. Guy Schwinge, the auctioneer at Duke’s, expressed astonishment at the find, noting the remarkable craftsmanship despite the years of wear and damage.
The story of this unexpected discovery serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that may lie beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed by those with a curious spirit and a keen eye. For this retired couple, what began as a routine task turned into an extraordinary journey through time, uncovering a piece of history that will be cherished for years to come.