Rare brooch with links to King Richard III sells for over £20,000 at auction

An extremely rare medieval brooch with links to King Richard III has sold at auction for over £20,000.

The rare 15th century penchant was found by a metal detectorist just outside the moat of Kirby Muxloe Castle in Leicestershire.

It's believed to be a love token belonging to Baroness Katherine Hastings, who lived at the castle and was given to her by her husband who was beheaded by the the King.

The penchant was discovered just outside the moat of the castle. Credit: English Heritage

It's thought that the brooch fell from Katherine whilst strolling the castle grounds but may have come to be lost following her husbands sudden demise.

The jewel went under the hammer at Charles Hanson Auctioneers with a guide price of £6,000 - £8,000 and an already worldwide interest.

But it eventually sold for £20,800 with the winning bid coming from a man from Yorkshire who bought it for an anniversary present for his wife.