Spotlight On: Sir William Ellis Mourning Ring
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This ring is dated 80 (1680), and it is a memorial ring for Sir William Ellis (1609-1680) who was a prominent lawyer under Oliver Cromwell.
In 1654 he was appointed solicitor-general. As solicitor-general, he took part in the prosecution of Gerhard, Vowell, and Somerset Fox on the charge of corresponding with Charles Stuart and conspiring to assassinate the Protector (Cromwell).
The style of the design in this piece matches the usual memento mori style of being a band decorated with the memento mori motifs in enamel around the outside. The Band was popular at this time, complementing the popular crystals of the time. Often, a blend of the two were created and will be shown in later posts.
Country: England
Year: 1680
Dedication: “Sr W E ob 2nd of Dec 80. ‘W’ hallmark
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