A PRICELESS medieval gold cross, entrenched in history and mystery, will be exhibited in a Suffolk museum following a two-year campaign.With links to Royalty and once sold for a pint of beer and five guineas, the 550-year-old Clare Cross will be showcased in its home town, volunteer-run museum, giving local people a rare chance to see the unique relic.

A PRICELESS medieval gold cross, entrenched in history and mystery, will be exhibited in a Suffolk museum following a two-year campaign.

With links to Royalty and once sold for a pint of beer and five guineas, the 550-year-old Clare Cross will be showcased in its home town, volunteer-run museum, giving local people a rare chance to see the unique relic.

Although its background is shrouded in mystery, it is believed the intricately-decorated Clare Reliquary Cross could have belonged to a descendant of King Edward III living at Clare Castle.

Now, following a donation from St Edmundsbury Borough Council, the much-valued gold cross and chain will go on display at Clare Ancient House Museum.

Col Stuart Green, trust chairman, said: “We have worked for two years to bring the cross to Clare. The trustees are thrilled that the Royal Collection Trust has agreed that this important item may be exhibited in its home town of Clare.

“We are grateful to the curators of the Royal Collection Trust, the British Museum and St Edmundsbury for all their help.”

Made around 1450 and then lost, it was later found in autumn 1866 by labourer Walter Loking while he worked on the new railway line and station.

To reward him for his honesty, Mr Loking received a pint of beer and, eventually, five guineas from the Treasury. Queen Victoria once expressed a desire to obtain the cross after learning it might have formed part of the collection of Royal jewels.

But the whole truth behind the cross's background remains a mystery. It is believed it might have been made around 1450 but historians are still unclear of an exact date or location where it was made.

The borough council grant will go towards a specially-designed cabinet which will be used to exhibit the medieval cross and chain in the town museum. Set with pearls and meant to be worn as a necklace, it includes two relics and gives a glimpse as to how religion was viewed in the medieval period.

The museum's exhibition will open on May 3 and will run until September 30, on Thursday, Fridays and Sundays between 2pm and 5pm. It is also open on Saturdays and on bank holidays from 11.30am to 5pm.

dave.gooderham@eadt.co.uk