Treasure finds record after rise in detectorists

A RECORD-breaking number of archaeological finds and treasures were unearthed in Britain last year, fuelled by the rise in metal detectorists.

- BY JENNY GARNSWORTHY

British Museum figures show there have been big increases in discoveries by the public, accounting for 94%.

Metal detecting has surged in recent years, with more than 20,000 people now owning a device. This is partly due to the success of the BBC comedy-drama series Detectorists, starring Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones.

Among the discoveries made by the public last year was a hoard of 179 silver pennies, likely buried on the eve of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Another item was a copper-alloy Roman vehicle fitting in Essex.