Boredom Busters!

Many of us will find ourselves at home at some point over the next couple of weeks. If you’re looking for something to stave off cabin fever, why not take a look at the PAS database? With almost 1.5 million objects recorded, there is plenty to explore! You can see what has been found in your local area by visiting the County Pages or learn more about the different object types and how to record them using our Finds Recording Guides.

Image showing a circular seal matrix engraved with a sleeping lion curled up and facing left. A circle of inverse lettering surrounds the lion. Above this image is a stamped impression of the seal.
This sleeping lion clearly hasn’t found the PAS database yet! It’s a 14th century copper alloy seal matrix, record ID SF7416. Copyright: Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service, License: CC-BY.

You can also follow our Twitter and Instagram feeds where we share objects and news on a regular basis. We’d also like to announce our new Pinterest account full of wonderful objects for you to curate into your own “virtual museum” pinboard.

Check out our new Pinterest account for more fabulous finds: pinterest.co.uk/portableantiquities.

The database is also an excellent source of inspiration for creative activities, particularly if you’ve got little ones to entertain. You can try one of our ready-made activities or create something completely your own! Either way, we’d love to see your creations! Remember to tag us on social media so we can share them with everyone!

You could create an Anglo-Saxon brooch, like this wonderful example found in Norfolk. It is made of silver and dates to AD825-850. If you look closely you can see lots of Trewhiddle-style animals intertwined with the plant motifs. Download our activity sheets below to try your hand at Anglo-Saxon brooch design! 

Early Medieval silver disc brooch from Norfolk (record ID NMS-BECE1C). Copyright: Norfolk County Council, License: CC-BY-NC-SA.

Or, if the Romans are more your thing, download our activity sheet and have a go at designing your own Roman coin. Make sure you get your best side like old Trajan here!

Gold aureus of Trajan, dated AD114-117 and minted in Rome (record ID BH-80B838). Copyright: St. Albans District Council, license: CC-BY-SA.