Register for our Voices Dispatches email to receive a comprehensive summary of the top opinions from the week.
Join our weekly Voices newsletter for free!
For many years, these objects have remained untouched, some for hundreds and even thousands of years. These objects are often intricate and crafted from valuable materials such as gold and silver. They were either buried, discarded, or unintentionally forgotten.
However, due to the increasing number of individuals using metal detectors, a significant amount of treasure is being discovered all over the UK. This has resulted in potential rewards for the finders and enhanced archaeological understanding for experts.
According to information from the British Museum, there were a total of 1,378 instances of reported treasure in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in the year 2022.
According to the Treasure Act, any discoveries must be disclosed and, once verified, museums have the option to purchase the items at their fair market price. The funds are then split between the person who found the items and the owner of the land.
The latest data released by the museum showed the locations where the most discoveries of treasure were reported. Norfolk had the highest number with 95 finds, followed by Hampshire with 83 and Kent with 81.
The majority of the discoveries, documented by the museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), were unearthed by individuals using metal detectors and those who search muddy riverbanks for artifacts.
During a metal-detecting rally near Malmesbury, a collection of three gold bracelets dating back to 1500BC-1100BC was discovered by accident. The detailed designs on the bracelets have contributed to our understanding of metalworking techniques during that time period.
Caroline Nunnely, a mudlarker, discovered a medieval rosary bead made of bone on the banks of the River Thames. The bead may have been carved to depict the Virgin Mary.
A metal detectorist in Staffordshire uncovered a gold dress fastener dating back 3,000 years, which originated from Ireland and revealed early cultural connections between Ireland and England. This artifact, found by Jonathan Needham, is one of seven known to have been found in England and Wales.
According to the British Museum’s report, the increase in valuable discoveries, which accounted for 53,490 out of all archaeological findings in 2022, has greatly contributed to the advancement of archaeological understanding in the UK.
The bone rosary bead, potentially featuring the image of the Virgin Mary, was discovered by mudlarker Caroline Nunnely on the shore of the River Thames during medieval times.
The majority of objects were discovered by individuals using metal detectors, with the greatest number of findings occurring on farmland where they could potentially be buried by plowing.
Sir Mark Jones, interim director of the British Museum, added: “The information about finds is being recorded by the PAS to advance knowledge of past peoples, where and how they lived.
The information captured in this document encompasses all aspects of human history, ranging from ancient times to the present, and covers the entire regions of England and Wales. The majority of the discoveries documented were made by individuals in the metal-detecting community and their efforts in recording these artifacts for the PAS are greatly appreciated.
Sir Mark advised metal detectorists to act responsibly by obtaining permission from landowners and reporting any discoveries.
The National Council for Metal Detecting has seen a 10% rise in membership, reaching over 300,000 members by 2021. However, there are ongoing problems with dishonest detectorists, known as “nighthawkers,” who illegally search historic locations at night.
In response to sightings of illegal metal detectorists in the area, the police increased patrols along Hadrian’s Wall five years ago.
Source: independent.co.uk
