Detectorists praised for record year for treasure

A RECORD-BREAKING number of archaeological finds and treasure were discovered in Britain in 2024, “in large part” thanks to the metal detectorists who are responsible for the vast majority.

- JENNY GARNSWORTHY

Coins from a Harold II Yorkshire coin hoard

The figures released by the British Museum show that over the past three years there have been significant increases in the number of finds reported by the public, accounting for 94%.

Metal detecting has surged in popularity in recent years, and the museum said the finds demonstrate 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, likely 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 AD 43 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.