Archaeological finds made by public hit record high in 2023
A report from the British Museum has found that 2023 was a record year for archaeological finds made by the public. The latest Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) Annual Report has revealed that a record of 74,506 finds were recorded by the public that year.
Reported archaeological finds in 2023 were “up sharply” from the previous year’s report of 53,490. The vast majority of objects were discovered by people metal-detecting at 95% and in agricultural areas. Most were discovered on cultivated land where they would otherwise have bene lost to farm activity such as ploughing.
Lincolnshire and Norfolk led the way with the greatest number of reported archaeological finds, accounting for 6,674 and 6,315 finds respectively. Somerset also saw a record year. A hoard of around 5,500 Roman coins brought the county’s total for the year to 6,849.
The Treasure Annual Report for 2022 gave details on 1,377 Treasure finds and Norfolk once again holds the title for the most with 95 finds over 170 reported objects.
An early medieval silver penny of Guthrum of East Anglia found in Norfolk was among the finds featured. It was the first find declared Treasure under the new significance-based criteria since the changes in legislation. The penny had been issued in the Guthrum’s baptismal name, Æthelstan (II), and was the first silver coin minted by a Viking ruler anywhere in Britain, making it an important piece of the country’s history.
An “exquisite” early medieval gold and garnet grave assemblage from Donington on Bain in Lincolnshire was also showcased. The grave goods found there are likely from the ploughed-out grave of high-status women dating back to the 7th century. The other example of stunning gold jewellery at the launch was a post-medieval gold signet ring from Central Bedfordshire. It is a “typical for the period” ring. Still, it features an engraving of a Phoenix, something more associated with Elizabeth I. The ring could have potentially been worn by one of her supporters and was found in the vicinity of several royal hunting parks.
The final object on display was a Bronze Age hoard from Urchfont in Wiltshire. It was block lifted and then excavated by British Museum conservators who found a rare Bronze Age anvil inside. This find, had it not been reported straight away by the detectorist and excavated might have been mistaken for modern agricultural equipment and this incredibly rare find would have been lost.
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
