Date: 11 December 2025

Still looking for the perfect gift for the history-lover in your life? York Museums Trust has an incredible range of objects available to sponsor this festive season, including a stunning medieval gold ring recently acquired by the Yorkshire Museum.

The ‘Adopt an Object’ scheme was launched by York Museums Trust in summer 2025 alongside the opening of stellar exhibition, Viking North, as an object-focused fundraising programme that provides the opportunity for annual sponsorship of some of the Yorkshire Museum’s collections.

This Christmas, five new objects have been added to the adoption list including the White Boar of York badge, which was once a symbol of support for Richard III in Yorkshire during the fifteenth century. It now makes up part of the Yorkshire Museum’s significant medieval collection. Two special rings, the beautiful Fulford Ring, and iconic Escrick Ring, have also been brought into the ‘Adopt an Object’ scheme, as some of the Yorkshire Museum’s most popular and recognisable objects. Alongside these three pieces of Yorkshire’s history is the Middleham Jewel, a stunning display of medieval gold-work depicting the luxury and importance of the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men. Discovered close to Middleham Castle, North Yorkshire, the Middleham Jewel may have belonged to someone in Richard III’s household. The sapphire may have served a magical or medicinal purpose as well as being highly decorative. This object is one of the most significant in the Yorkshire Museum’s collection.

A brand-new acquisition is also now available to adopt! The Ring of the Three Kings was brought into the Yorkshire Museum’s collection only a few months ago after being discovered at Sessay, North Yorkshire. The inscription on the ring names the Three Magi (also known as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings), who brought gifts to the baby Jesus in the Nativity story. The names of the Magi are common inscriptions on medieval rings and brooches and are believed to protect the wearer against things like epilepsy or fevers. This amazing ring is now on display in the Yorkshire Museumfor the first time, just in time for Christmas.

Emily North, Curator of Archaeology at York Museums Trust, commented on the new acquisition: “We’re really pleased to welcome such a stunning ring into our collection. With its seasonal theming it’s the perfect addition to our new Medieval display on gallery and our festive ‘Adopt an Object’ scheme. We hope visitors enjoy seeing the beautiful ring amongst other shimmering golden treasures as part of a winter trip to the Yorkshire Museum.”

Several objects from the Viking North exhibition such as the Thor’s Hammer Pendant with its gold inlay, the York Helmet, Ormside Bowl and treasures from the Bedale Hoard and Vale of York Hoard are still up for adoption. With no limit on how many people can adopt a single object, the scheme offers the chance to connect with both the collection at the Yorkshire Museum and the history of Yorkshire.

All proceeds received from the ‘Adopt an Object’ scheme are reinvested directly back into York Museum Trust collections, buildings and gardens, to care for the places and objects and ensure their preservation for future generations.  Those who choose to adopt an object will be given a personalised adoption certificate to thank them for their generosity.

All objects will be on display over the festive period, so why not make a trip to the Yorkshire Museum to see the objects for yourself or bring a loved one with their ‘Adopt an Object’ certificate. The festive objects are available for adoption for a limited time only, head to www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/adopt-an-object to find out more.