Portable Antiquities & Treasure Annual Report 2008

204 Pages·2011·8.88 MB·English

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Front and back covers: Gold stater (reverse and obverse).
One of 840 found in a hoard in the Wickham Market
area, Suffolk (no. 471). The coins date from c. 40 BC to
c. AD 20. A selection of coins from the hoard is shown
on the inside front cover.
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Minister’s foreword 4
Preface 5
Key points 8
Introduction 10
Learning and outreach 12
Best practice 18
Research and publication 20
Recording finds 24
CataLogue
artefacts
Stone Age 34
Bronze Age 39
Iron Age 68
Roman 79
Early Medieval 102
Medieval 129
Post-Medieval 161

Coins
Iron Age 186
Roman 193
Early Medieval 211
Medieval 215
Post-Medieval 225
References 233
Indexes
Index by findspot 246
Index by acquiring museum 252
S
Index of values 254
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Contacts and organisations 257
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Contributors 262
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Illustrations 263
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extract from
Published by the Department of Portable Antiquities and Treasure, British Museum O
Treasure Act Annual Report 2008 vi–xii
ISBN 978-0-9563795-4-2 paperback
ISBN 978-0-9563795-5-9 download
C
Treasure Act Annual Report 2008 (pages vi–xii): © Queen’s Printer and Controller of HMSO 2010
2 3
I am very pleased to introduce the second joint I am very grateful to the Minister for his kind words, and
Portable Antiquities and Treasure Annual Report, for his consistent support for the Portable Antiquities
which covers the year 2008. Full details of all finds Scheme to date. Given the pressure to reduce public
recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme and spending, I very much appreciate everything he has done
reported Treasure, can be found on the PAS database to ensure the PAS has a long and stable future.
(www.finds.org.uk).
The British Museum has been a keen and active supporter
The Portable Antiquities Scheme is crucial to ensuring of the PAS and the Treasure Act since their inception
that the most important finds discovered by members in 1997. Since spring 2006 the Museum has managed
of the public are recorded so that information about the PAS on behalf of the Museums, Libraries & Archives
the past can be enjoyed by all. I am a great supporter Council, and therefore it is very much welcome that the
of the Scheme and was very pleased to be able to Government has asked us to take on full responsibility for
Ed Vaizey announce at the end of last year that funding will be Neil MacGregor the running and management of the Scheme from 1 April
Minister for Culture, continued for the Scheme and that from 1 April 2011 Director of the 2011, also allocating a specific budget for that purpose.
Communications it will be managed directly by the British Museum. This British Museum
and Creative Industries will ensure that the PAS has a long and sustainable The priority for the British Museum is to safeguard the
future and continues to be a great success. network of Finds Liaison Officers, who are the Scheme’s
front line, and also complement our Museum in Britain
I am very grateful for the hard work of the Scheme’s programme. We have already offered four-year contracts
staff, particularly its network of Finds Liaison Officers. to all the local partners who employ FLOs in England,
It is impressive that 53,346 archaeological finds have without reducing salary costs, and we will do all we can
been recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme to ensure that the network is sustained. In Wales, with
and a further 806 Treasure finds (some of which are the Minister’s support, we are working with appropriate
published in detail below) have been reported in 2008. stakeholders to see how the Scheme can best be funded
Due to the goodwill of those finders who have reported there. Unfortunately, with reduced funding, the PAS
their finds, this data is being made available to all cannot do everything it did in the past. Hence this will be
to advance archaeological knowledge. The Portable the final Portable Antiquities and Treasure Annual Report
Antiquities Scheme has also benefitted from the that is produced. Also, office costs across the FLO network
generosity of the Headley Trust and the Institute for and within the Scheme’s Central Unit are being reduced.
Archaeologists who have provided funding for interns, As the Minister says, the PAS has been very successful in
D
enabling archaeologists and a detectorist to gain obtaining external funding to support its work, and we are
new skills while at the same time as enhancing the keen to explore new funding opportunities to maximise
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Scheme’s recording capacity. the impact of the Scheme and its work.
O
It is welcome news that 265 finds reported Treasure Both the PAS and curators at the British Museum have
W in 2008 have been acquired by museums for public been heavily involved in the Treasure process, and
benefit. This may not have been possible without the there is obviously an opportunity now that the PAS is
generosity of finders and landowners (82 parties in fully integrated into the British Museum to make the
E
2008) and the funding bodies who awarded grants to administration of the Treasure Act even more efficient.
R enable the acquisition of Treasure items. I would like to To that end, a designated Coroner for Treasure and other
thank all those finders and landowners who have made changes to the Treasure Act (including extending the
O
such donations and the funding bodies who awarded obligation to report Treasure and allowing the Secretary
grants for items found in 2008 for their generosity. of State to designate officers to whom Treasure can be
F
reported), enacted though the Coroners & Justice Act

Finally, the Treasure scheme could not function without 2009, but yet to be implemented, would be extremely
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the crucial work of the local coroners and their officers, useful. Likewise, it has now been possible to display finds
’ the Treasure Valuation Committee and its Secretariat, reported Treasure in the British Museum soon after they
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and also the Treasure team and curators at the British have been found, enabling the public to share the finder’s
E Museum. I am grateful to all those involved for their E excitement of discovery and learn about the objects
T efforts in ensuring that we have a Treasure scheme C themselves. Most of these finds are eventually acquired
in this country of which we can be proud. I would by local museums, where they are studied and enjoyed
S particularly like to thank Professor Norman Palmer, A by local people.
I whose term as Chairman of the Treasure Valuation F
N Committee will come to an end this year, for his The British Museum is determined to build upon the
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dedication to the Committee and wider Treasure issues. tremendous success of the PAS and the Treasure Act
I R to date, and develop positive and fruitful relationships
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between archaeologists and finders, museums and the
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general public.
4 5
geoFF egaN (19 october 1951 – 24 December 2010) Cloth seals recorded with the Scheme
During the production of this annual report Geoff Egan Geoff was working with metal-detectorists and
(Finds Adviser) sadly, and quite suddenly, passed away. other finders – principally those ‘mudlarking’ on the
Geoff was a leading expert on Medieval and Post- Thames foreshore – long before it was fashionable
Medieval finds, and wrote over 100 books and articles for archaeologists to do so. He was also one of the
on the subject, including Lead Cloth Seals (see map on first people to recognise the contribution that metal-
p. 7), The Medieval Household, Dress Accessories (with detecting could make to archaeology. His passion and
Frances Pritchard) and Toys, Trifles and Trinkets (with knowledge for finds was infectious; he was just as
Hazel Forsyth). He was also responsible for editing the happy talking at a metal-detecting conference as to
Medieval and Post-Medieval finds in this report, which an academic conference. Almost every hour of his life
was unfinished at the time of his death. For much of his was dedicated to researching finds, talking and writing
life Geoff worked as an archaeologist at the Museum about them. His death therefore comes as a great loss
of London, but was very much involved with the work to archaeology that is impossible to replace. He will
of the PAS since 1997; he was contracted (from the be dearly missed by all of us that knew him or had
Museum of London) to the Scheme from 2004, and the pleasure of working with him.
worked full-time with the PAS from July 2010.
Geoff Egan (front row left) and colleagues at the launch
of the Portable Antiquities and Treasure Annual Report
2007 in 2009.
Ed Vaizey (Minister for Culture), Michael Lewis,
Geoff Egan and Andy Johanessen (finder of 418).
6 7
The main achievements of the Portable Antiquities Donations: In 2006 the DCMS launched an initiative to Liaison: During 2008 the FLOs maintained regular
Scheme (PAS) and the Treasure Act 1996 in 2008 can encourage finders and landowners to consider waiving contact with 170 metal-detecting clubs – attending
be summarised as follows: their rights to rewards in order that museums are more 727 club meetings, and they also liaised with local
able to acquire Treasure finds; certificates, signed by the archaeological and history groups. Members of the
the extent of the PaS and the Department of Minister, are given to those who do so. In 2008 there Scheme attended at least 922 other meetings to
Portable antiquities and treasure: A network of were 51 (6.35%) cases where one or both parties (82 promote the Scheme and its aims.
40 Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs), several of which individuals in all) waived their rewards.
are part-time posts, cover the whole of England and Social inclusion: In 2006 a socio-economic analysis of
Wales. Their work is co-ordinated and supported Findspot information: Over 92% of PAS finds have postcode data showed that 47% of people recording
by a central unit consisting of a Head and Deputy been recovered from cultivated land, where they are finds with the Scheme (since 1997) were from groups
Head, Resources Manager, ICT Adviser (based at the susceptible to plough damage and artificial and natural C2, D and E, which compares favourably to visitors to
British Museum) and six Finds Advisers. Also employed corrosion processes. Over 89% of finds are now being museums (31%).1
within the Department of Portable Antiquities and recorded to the nearest 100m2 (a six-figure National
Treasure, is a Treasure Registrar and four Assistant Grid Reference) or better, and over 42% of finds are Website: There have been almost 185,000 unique
Treasure Registrars. In 2008, in addition to the finders being recorded to the nearest 10m2 (an eight-figure visitors to the PAS website – www.finds.org.uk – making
who recorded finds with the PAS, at least 127 people National Grid Reference). over 306,000 visits and 3,771,000 page requests during
volunteered with the Scheme. 2008. The average number of page requests per visit
Finds data: The finds data generated by the PAS is 11. At the time of publication the online database
Recognition of success: In November 2008 A Review is made available to Historic Environment Records allows public access to 675,535 objects within
of the Portable Antiquities Scheme found the PAS to be (HERs) – the key record holders for information about 425,045 records.
both efficient and cost-effective. the historic environment – and is published on the
Scheme’s website: www.finds.org.uk. A protocol has Heritage protection: In 2008 the Department
The Staffordshire Hoard (reported Treasure via the been agreed on the transfer of PAS data to HERs, of Portable Antiquities and Treasure, at the British
PAS) won ‘best archaeological discovery’ in the British which more than two-thirds have now signed. Museum continued to monitor eBay for finds of
Archaeological Awards 2010, and is a credit to all those unreported Treasure. Intelligence on 181 cases was
involved with its discovery, research and the public New sites discovered: Many important new passed to the police.
dissemination. The PAS database was shortlisted as archaeological sites have been discovered as a result
‘best archaeological innovation’ in the same awards. of the finds recorded by the FLOs or reported Treasure, Since September 2007 the Department has been
including, a prehistoric flintworking site in Oxfordshire an expert adviser on the export licencing of metal-
Finds recorded through the PaS: In 2008, a further (5) and an Anglo-Saxon burial site in East Sussex (p. 18). detected finds, and in the period of this report
53,346 archaeological objects have been recorded approved 278 licences, of which more that 82%
by the PAS (and published on its database); some of Research: New research is showing that PAS data has were exported outside the European Union.
these are illustrated in this report. Of these, at least the potential to radically alter our understanding of
87% have been discovered by people while out metal- the historic environment and further archaeological The PAS was a partner in Oxford Archaeology’s
detecting; the rest have been found by other means. knowledge. Currently 198 people, including academics Nighthawking Report, and is working with English
and professionals, have full access to PAS data for Heritage to take its recommendations forward.
Finds reported treasure: 806 cases of Treasure were research purposes. PAS data has been used in the
reported in 2008 (some of these cases include multiple course of seven major research projects (such as those The PAS works closely with relevant colleagues in HM
items). This figure continues to increase; the rise being funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Board or Revenue & Customs, the MLA Exporting Unit, and since
most notable since 2003, when the PAS was expanded Leverhulme Trust), 32 PhDs, 46 MA dissertations and 20 February 2007 Michael Lewis (Deputy Head) has been
to cover the whole of England and Wales, since when undergraduate research projects. seconded (part-time) as a Special Police Constable with
there has been an average increase of almost 210% in the Metropolitan Police Service’s Art & Antiques Unit.
the reporting of potential Treasure finds. Most cases Publications: Several publications associated with
(93.28%) have been discovered while metal-detecting. the work of the Scheme have appeared in 2008,
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including the Portable Antiquities sections of Britannia
T acquisition of treasure: 265 new Treasure finds 39, Medieval Archaeology 52, and Post Medieval
have been, or are being, acquired by museums, while Archaeology 42.
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366 have been disclaimed, 139 were deemed not to
be Treasure and 33 are still to be determined. The outreach: 1,637 outreach events, including talks, finds
I
O outcomes of all 2008 Treasure cases are given in days and exhibitions, were organised in 2008; these
the Treasure Annual Report 2008. were attended by at least 50,032 people, including
7,667 children. At least 215 articles about the work
P
As in previous years, museums have received help to of the PAS were published or broadcast, including

enable them to acquire Treasure from the Art Fund academic publications, articles in the popular press,
Y
V&A/MLA Purchase Grant Fund, the Headley Museums and reports on television and radio. As part of National
E Treasure Acquisition Fund, the National Heritage Archaeology Week 2008, the PAS was involved in 73
Memorial fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund, without events, attended by at least 5,093 adults and 2,373
K
which many finds would not have been acquired. children, and its FLOs examined more than 2,967 finds. Children examining archaeological finds.
8 1 10.5 million people visited museums in 2005, of which 30.6% were C2, D and Es (Great Britain Target Group Index, Spring 2006). 9
tHe PoRtaBLe aNtIquItIeS As a result of the Review of the PAS (published aims of the Portable antiquities Scheme
SCHeMe (PaS) September 2008), a Portable Antiquities Management The PAS is a partnership project which records
Group was formed, to provide a clear distinction archaeological objects found by the public in order
between the management of the PAS and policy to advance our understanding of the past.
The PAS was established to record archaeological
relating to portable antiquities-related issues, such as
objects found by the public. It also has an important
environmental stewardship schemes, metal-detecting In order to do this the Scheme:
educational role, enabling children and adults alike to
rallies, and illicit metal-detecting. The first meeting of • promotes the maximum public interest and benefit
learn about archaeology, get involved and bring the
this group, chaired by MLA with representatives from the from the recovery, recording and research of portable
past to life.
British Museum, the PAS and Renaissance, took place in antiquities
March 2009. • promotes best practice by finders/landowners and
Every year many thousands of archaeological objects
archaeologists/museums in the discovery, recording
are discovered, most of these by metal-detector users,
terms of reference and conservation of finds made by the public
but also by people while out walking, gardening or
Portable Antiquities Management Group • in partnership with museums and others, raises
going about their daily work. These objects offer an
The Portable Antiquities Scheme is run by the British awareness among the public, including young people,
important and irreplaceable way of understanding
Museum on behalf of the MLA. The British Museum of the educational value of recording archaeological
our past. The PAS offers the only proactive and
has ownership of the Scheme and the role of the finds in their context and facilitate research in them
comprehensive mechanism for systematically recording
Management Group is to assist the British Museum to • creates partnerships between finders and museums/
such finds for public benefit. This data is made available
ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the PAS archaeologists to increase participation in archaeology
to Historic Environment Records (HERs) and is published
in accordance with its aims. The Management Group and advance our understanding of the past
on the Scheme’s website: www.finds.org.uk. This data is
will oversee the long-term planning and funding of • supports the Treasure Act, and increase opportunities
an important educational resource that can be used and
the Scheme and advocate its value to stakeholders. It for museums to acquire archaeological finds for
enjoyed by anyone (not just archaeologists) interested
will have an overview of budgets and management in public benefit
in learning more about the past.
line with the Renaissance performance framework; it
is for the British Museum to manage the budget. The The PAS is run by the British Museum on behalf of the
organisation
Management Group will not be concerned with policy MLA and works through 33 principal partners which
In the period of this report, 40 Finds Liaison Officers
issues relating to portable antiquities matters which employ staff and many more local partners which
(FLOs), several of them part-time, covering the whole
are matters for the Advisory Group. The Management contribute to each of the posts. There is a network of
of England and Wales, were employed in the work of
Group will be chaired by the MLA and will consist of 40 FLO posts, based in museums and county councils
the Scheme; they are based with local ‘host’ partner
representatives from the MLA, the British Museum and throughout England and Wales, six Finds Advisers and a
organisations who manage them on a day-to-day basis.
the Renaissance programme. team of four at the British Museum. The data gathered
Their work is co-ordinated and supported by a Central
by the Scheme is published on an online database at
Unit of a Head and Deputy Head, Resources Manager
Portable Antiquities Advisory Group www.finds.org.uk.
and ICT Adviser, based in the Department of Portable
The Advisory Group will consist of representatives from
Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum, and
national stakeholders (listed above) with an interest In order to fulfil the aims of the Scheme, staff:
six Finds Advisers, of which all but one are based
in portable antiquities and will discuss and provide • maintain an online database and promote it as a
elsewhere. In 2008, 127 volunteers also provided an
advice and guidance on portable antiquities matters resource for education and research
invaluable contribution to the work of the Scheme.
including offering advice to the Management Group. It • hold outreach events, such as finds days, attend
will develop policy and best practice in relation to the metal detecting club meetings and give talks to
Since 1 April 2006 the PAS has been managed by the
discovery and recording of finds made by the public national and local group and societies
N British Museum on behalf of the Museums, Libraries
and to foster co-operation between archaeologists, • facilitate displays of finds recorded by the Scheme in
and Archives Council (MLA), and funded by the
museum professionals and finders. museums and elsewhere
O Department of Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS)
• help finders to fulfil their obligations under the
and local partners. 2
Treasure Act
I
• publish an annual report and other publications in
T The work of the Scheme is guided by the Portable
print and online
Antiquities Advisory Group, which meets bi-annually.
C
Members of the group are the Association of Local
Since 1 April 2011 the British Museum has assumed
U Government Archaeological Officers, the British
direct responsibility for the running of the Scheme
Museum, the Council for British Archaeology, the
from the MLA (see Preface, p. 5) and the Portable
D Country Business & Landowners Association, the
Antiquities Management Group is no longer needed.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport, English
O The Advisory Group will still meet in order to provide a
Heritage, the Federation of Independent Detectorists,
forum on issues relating to portable antiquities.
the Institute of Archaeology (University College
R
London), the MLA, the National Council for Metal
Detecting, the National Farmers Union, the National
T tReaSuRe
Museums & Galleries of Wales, Natural England, the
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Society of Museum Archaeologists and the Royal
See the Treasure Act Annual Report 2008, pages vi–xii.
Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments
I of Wales.
10 2 Before this date (since April 2003) the PAS was funded by the HLF, through the MLA. 11
Learning and outreach are at the heart of the PAS. Castleford Youth Inclusion Project of controlled excavation. Likewise, through liaison
Outreach is the principal means by which the FLOs In June, Amy Downes (South & West Yorkshire FLO) detectorists gain an appreciation for the need of best
and other members of the Scheme meet finders and and Dave Weldrake (West Yorkshire Archaeology archaeological practice when surveying their own sites.
the public, talk with them about archaeological finds, Advisory Service) joined the Castleford Youth
and the importance of recording and best practice. Inclusion Project, which works with children at risk geophysical and topographical training programme
Learning is a key outcome of the PAS, which records of being excluded from school. As part of the project at Ixworth Roman site, Suffolk
finds to advance archaeological knowledge: its database after-school sessions were provided for the children In August 2008 a fourth Roman site was investigated as
at www.finds.org.uk is the mechanism by which this where they can participate in excavation, handle part of an ongoing collaboration between Faye Minter
data is made available to all and is a valuable resource archaeological objects and play ‘archaeological games’. (Suffolk FLO), Martin Millet and Helen Woodhouse
for academics and the general public alike. Apart from the digging, the most popular activity was (both Cambridge University), and Jude Plouviez (Suffolk
drawing an object from a written description and then County Council Archaeological Service) to facilitate
trying to guess what it was. geophysics and topography training for Cambridge
CHILDReN (FoRMaL aND University archaeology students on Roman sites
INFoRMaL LeaRNINg) ‘I loved digging up the past and discovering what things discovered by local metal-detectorists in Suffolk.
were as I found them’. Pupil (Redhill Primary School, The survey work was funded by Cambridge University.
Airedale, Castleford). The site, at Ixworth in west Suffolk, is a Scheduled
Object-based learning is an excellent way of
Monument and the results confirm that there are
engaging young people with archaeology and history,
archaeology and the olympics extensive buildings present, which are the remains of
which also overlaps with key subject areas such as
Kate Sumnall (London FLO) has been working with a Roman villa complex. There were also linear features
Citizenship, ICT, Maths and Science. Learning this way
her colleges at the Museum of London, delivering The that are probably part of the villa enclosure. There is,
helps children develop new skills and experiences,
Discover Programme of community archaeology events therefore, scope for further investigation in future years
but also reaches out to those less responsive to more
on behalf of the Olympic Delivery Authority. This using resistivity or Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
traditional teaching methods.
included talks on the archaeology of the Olympic Park
given by Kieron Tyler (Senior Archaeologist), which Kate
The PAS regularly provides opportunities for children
supported with finds handling sessions, in each of the
to learn about archaeology and history, in both the
H five London boroughs which are hosting the Olympics,
classroom and informally, as the examples below highlight.
and also at the Olympic Park site and the Olympic
C Delivery Authority offices.
What did the Romans do for us?
A In April, Rob Collins (North East FLO) met with a class
The Discover Programme also included a three-week
of 7–8 year olds at Hunwick Primary School, County
community excavation project in East Hackney
E Durham, who were learning about the Romans and
Marshes, which is part of the main Olympic Park site.
R Binchester Roman fort, which is near their school.
As the ground was heavily contaminated, and therefore
Rob spoke to the children about understanding the
T unsuitable for an excavation, a ‘Blanket Dig’ was used
Romans through the material that they left behind,
to illustrate the history of the site for the schools
U explaining that this was how archaeologists study
and other groups who visited. The blankets (each
the past. The children then examined material from
with artefacts from a particular period) were stacked
O near the Roman fort that had been recovered during
in chronological layers to help explain stratigraphy.
a metal-detector survey conducted many years ago,
Other practical activities included finds washing and
which they used to explain what sort of activities the
a mapping exercise. Over the period of the ‘dig’ six
D Romans ‘got up to’. Afterward, they created a small Amy Downes examining finds at the Churches
schools from each of the five boroughs, as well as
museum display for the rest of their school to enjoy. Conservation Trust Open Day at Kirk Sandall.
N community groups and other users of the Marshes,
visited the site. Several of the visitors remembered the
Learning about science through archaeology
area during the Second World War and the changes
A Dot Boughton (Lancashire & Cumbria FLO) was
that followed, and so their reminiscences were added
invited by Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School to organise
to our sessions with the schools.
G archaeological activities for the students (aged 11–14)
as part of their ‘Science Week’. Under Dot’s supervision
N the girls examined a large amount of archaeological
HIgHeR & FuRtHeR eDuCatIoN
finds from Stone Age to the modern period, which they
I sorted according to what they were made from, e.g.
N PAS Staff, particularly the Scheme’s Finds Advisers,
glass, plastic, metal, stone, etc. Then, they were asked
liaise with students in higher and further education,
to analyse the finds further, such as by metal type and
R discussing with them the benefits of archaeologists
treatments applied to pottery. After, they discussed the
and metal-detectorists (and other finders) working
A properties of the materials, and why some artefacts
together. In the past relations between archaeologists
were made some types, but not others. For the final
E exercise the students had to organise the finds into and detectorists were strained (often hostile), but it
is increasingly the case that archaeologists recognise
L a timeline, to demonstrate how the use of different
the benefits of metal-detecting, especially as part Anna Tyacke with Young Archaeologists.
materials changed over time.
12 13
FINDeRS The PAS is proactive in reaching out to as many Besides visiting metal-detecting clubs the FLOs
ClubS ClubS wheRe FlO
finders as possible. As part of their work FLOs (and (MeMbeRShIp) IS welCOMe organise archaeological finds days in order to reach
other members of the Scheme) regularly visit metal- (MeMbeRShIp) out to new finders and the wider public.
In 2008, 6,464 individuals offered finds for recording
with the PAS (Table 1a). Of these 65.47% were metal- detecting clubs, as it is detectorists who are responsible Bedfordshire & 6 (350+) 3 (180+)
for 87% of finds recorded with the Scheme in 2008. Hertfordshire archaeological outreach in Milton Keynes
detectorists, but a significant minority were other
types of finders. 185 metal-detecting clubs are known to exist Berkshire & 3 (220) 2 (200) Milton Keynes Archaeology Days were established
(Table 1b), of which the FLOs have regular contact Oxfordshire by Nick Crank (Archaeological Officer, Milton Keynes
with 170. Although most metal-detecting clubs Buckinghamshire 4 (68) 4 (68) Council) to showcase recent excavations in the
Metal - OtheRS tOtal
welcome the FLO, it is extremely disappointing that Borough. Ros Tyrrell (Buckinghamshire FLO) attends
DeteCtORIStS Cambridgeshire 3 (68) 3 (68)
a minority do not. these events to record new finds made by the public
Cheshire, Gtr 9 (490) 9 (490)
Bedfordshire & 75 21 96 and to publicise the work of the PAS. In 2008, she was
Manchester &
Hertfordshire
There are at least 7,220 members in the known metal- Merseyside joined by Paul Manning, a detectorist who records
Berkshire & 238 42 280 detecting clubs. However, this figure should not be Cornwall 3 (80) 3 (80) his finds directly onto the PAS database, who – with
Oxfordshire
taken at face value. Some people are members of more the Magiovinium Metal Detector Club – organised
Derbyshire & 9 (315) 9 (315)
Buckinghamshire 175 11 186 than one club (and hence the duplication of numbers Nottinghamshire particularly interesting displays of finds they had
Cambridgeshire 27 0 27 in this table is likely), while others no longer actively found. In addition Paul set up his laptop, with a web
Devon 5 (150+) 4 (150+)
Cheshire, Gtr 155 70 225 detect or do not search for archaeological material (i.e. connection, so that he could show how the particular
Essex 6 (346) 5 (296)
Manchester & they detect on beaches). Likewise, there are others who finds he had found appeared on the PAS database. This
Merseyside Gloucestershire & 6 (202) 6 (202)
are not members of clubs (known as independents). also enabled people who recorded their finds to see
Avon
Cornwall 30 41 71 where the information on their find would end up, and
Hampshire 4 (155) 4 (155)
Derbyshire & 142 41 183 also learn more about finds from their local area. The
Nottinghamshire Herefordshire & 5 (140) 5 (140) detectorists’ contribution to the day added a lively and
Shropshire
Devon 49 200 249 interesting component enjoyed by all.
Isle of Wight 3 (121) 3 (121)
Essex 160 30 190
Kent 12 (376) 12 (376) In 2008 the PAS organised 444 finds days. Also, as
Gloucestershire & 258 167 425
Avon Lancashire & 4 (250) 4 (250) part of National Archaeology Week, the PAS was
Cumbria involved in 73 events, attended by at least 5,093
Hampshire 48 31 79
Leicestershire & 4 (135) 3 (95) adults and 2,373 children, at which more than 2,967
Herefordshire & 183 289 472
Rutland finds were examined.
Shropshire
Lincolnshire 6 (366) 6 (366)
Isle of Wight 80 50 130
London 4 (188) 4 (188)
Kent 120 40 160 VoLuNteeRS
Norfolk 5 (183) 5 (183)
Lancashire & 91 211 302
Cumbria Northamptonshire 5 (330) 4 (310)
Besides the finders themselves, 127 people volunteered
Leicestershire & 71 47 118 North East 12 (254+) 12 (254+)
with the PAS in 2008. Most are involved with the
Rutland
Amy Downes running a finds handling session in North Lincolnshire 2 (85) 2 (85) recording of finds, but there are other volunteering
Lincolnshire 170 25 195
South Yorkshire. Somerset & Dorset 4 (150) 4 (150) opportunities as well, as the examples below
London 78 180 258 Staffordshire & West 6 (343) 6 (343) demonstrate. People volunteer for many different
Norfolk 230 60 290 Midlands reasons and hence have diverse backgrounds and
Northamptonshire 61 57 118 Suffolk 3 (285) 3 (285) experiences; these including students on placements
or needing work experience, people with a general
North East 300 100 400 Surrey 5 (147) 5 (147)
interest in archaeology, and/or retired people keen to
North Lincolnshire 65 50 115 Sussex (East & 10 (276) 10 (276)
do something new and interesting.
West)
Somerset & Dorset 93 91 184
Warwickshire & 3 (102) 3 (102)
Staffordshire & West 104 4 108 However, it is the finders themselves who represent the
Worcestershire
Midlands
largest group of PAS volunteers, particularly those who
Wiltshire 5 (115) 5 (115)
Suffolk 160 20 180 take care to log the findspot of their finds while in the
Yorkshire (North & 4 (130) 4 (130)
Surrey 67 20 87 field, bag them properly and take them for recording
East)
Sussex (East & 180 60 240 with their local FLO, or even record them direct onto
Yorkshire (South & 16 (335+) 9 (291+)
West) the PAS database – as increasing numbers are doing.
West)
Warwickshire & 45 15 60
Wales 9 (465) 9 (465)
Worcestershire It is also the case that many finds experts (in
Wiltshire 95 34 129 total 185 (7,220+) 170 (6,876+) universities or museums) give their (or their
Danielle Wootton and Alfie recording
institutions’) time freely to help the recording work
Yorkshire (North & 203 74 277 table 1b: Metal-detecting clubs and those where the FLO is welcome.
a pottery fragment.
East) of the PAS, recognising that the data generated is
mutually beneficial.
Yorkshire (South & 154 61 215
West)
Wales 325 90 415
total 4,232 2,232 6,464
table 1a: Number of individuals offering finds for recording in 2008.
14 15