Detectorists help to dig up record number of treasures

Britain saw a record number of archaeological discoveries and treasure finds in 2024, largely attributed to the contributions of metal detectorists.

- JENNY GARNSWORTHY

British Museum data reveals a substantial rise in public-reported finds over the last three years, with an impressive 94 per cent originating from amateur enthusiasts.

This surge in metal detecting's popularity underscores what the museum describes as the "vital contribution made by members of the public to documenting and preserving the nation's history".

Among the discoveries was a hoard of 179 silver pennies from the short reign of Harold II, probably buried on the eve of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Another item was a complete copper-alloy Roman vehicle fitting, found by a detectorist in Essex.

Thought to date from about AD43 to 200, it was likely attached to the body of a carriage or wagon or to the yoke which hitched draught animals to the vehicle.

The latest annual figures for the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) show there were 79,616 finds recorded in 2024. This was up from 74,506 in 2023 and 53,490 in 2022.