And in 11 Edward III:[230]
‘In oblacione domini regis ad crucem de Gneyth in capella sua in pcħo de Wyndesore die parasceues, vs., et pro totidem denariis reassumptis pro annulis inde faciendis vs.’
Here the sum total is omitted: the three entries, though mutually explanatory, show how puzzling becomes a too strict economy of words.
Entries substantially the same as these may be seen in the Wardrobe Accounts of 12–14 Edward III.[231]
One more entry from the Account Books of John de Ypres, 44 Edward III, is perhaps worth quoting, as it seems to point definitely to the rings being made in this instance of both gold and silver:
‘In oblacionibus Regis factis adorando crucem in capella sua infra castrum suum de Wyndesore die parasceues in pretio trium nobilium auri et quinque solidorum sterling xxvs.—In denariis solutis pro iisdem oblacionibus reassumptis pro annulis medicinalibus inde faciendis, eodem die xxv.’
The offering of both gold and silver money would seem to bear out the suggestion as to the material of the rings, as we know that in later times both metals were used. It is, of course, arguable that the larger sum of money indicates only a greater demand for the rings.
Richard II’s Account Books[232] show that he maintained the practice of his grandfather. The following is from an account of the Controller of the Wardrobe in his reign:
‘in denar̄ solut̄ decano capelle Regis pro eisdem oblacionibus reassumpt̄ pro anulis medicinaƚ inde faciendis, xxvs.’