Fascinating treasure dating back to the 15th century was discovered on land in Eaton Bray.

The medieval silver vervel, which is a solid circular disc, was used to connect leather jesses attached to a hawk's legs to the bird's block when grounded.

It has the name 'Edward' inscribed among foliage on one side.

A Mr Wilde found the item on the land, which belongs to a Mr French, in 2007.

But it was not until a few years later that Mr Wilde realised it could be more than 300 years old.

An inquest at Dunstable Coroner's Court last Tuesday heard how Mr Wilde took it to Birmingham City Council, which then gave it to the British Museum.

Comments made by the museum, claim it could be a reference to Edward Prince or Prince Edward, the son of Henry VI, or the son of Edward IV, who later become one of the princes in the tower.

Due to the piece being made of a minimum of 10 per cent precious metal, this means that it qualifies as treasure under the Treasure Act 1996.

Coroner David Morris said he would register the vervel as treasure with the British Museum.