Tell us about yourself.
I am the Finds Liaison Assistant for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I have been working with the PAS for three years and this is my second time working in Derby. I have been FLA since December 2016.
What does your role involve?
My role involves recording archaeological finds brought in by detectorists, either at club meetings or at Finds Days. These finds I research and describe and put all information required onto a record on the database. I assist the FLO with his work load. I photograph objects, and manipulate the image using Photoshop for a clear accurate image for the database. I visit clubs and attend Finds Days. I will be helping to train Volunteers, as well as responding to any queries. I also will be dealing with Treasure, old and new cases.
What area of history/archaeology are you most interested in?
All areas of history interest me, I have always held a long standing passion for British history and archaeology. Recently however I have been researching the Plantagenet Dynasty, and I have been fascinated by their rise and fall. I am fond of recording Medieval coins, and finds of the Medieval period, some can be quite a challenge. I also enjoy researching the Early Medieval period. Some of the most inspiring and beautiful objects in the country date from this period, for instance The Staffordshire Hoard and Sutton Hoo, there is also the countless manuscripts produced at this time.
Why did you start working for the PAS?
I began to work with the PAS because I wanted to do something with my Archaeology Honours degree. When my partner found a volunteer position on the Birmingham Museums website, I knew that was the role for me. Three years later, I’ve written over 1200 records and I’ve never looked back.
What do you enjoy most about working for the PAS?
In this role we handle ancient objects daily, we get to handle objects that have only been handled once since they were dropped, or buried. We have a tangible link to the past that is not common in other roles. I have enjoyed the challenge of researching objects and finding out where to start with objects I have never seen before. But most of all I think the thing I enjoy most about working with the PAS is the fact that it is a perfect fit for me, the people are amazing, the objects are beautiful and challenging. I love this job.
What is the most exciting find from Nottinghamshire you have recorded so far?
This was difficult to narrow it down to one find, but I have chosen an Early Medieval Cruciform brooch (DENO-C68996). This was an exciting find for me, because I had never seen one before. So when I came to record this find it was a special one, I had to do more research on it, to find out what type it was and how old it was, I had to figure out new ways to describe the object and how it looks, and find examples on the database for comparison. From the Early Medieval period it conjures images of warriors and their families, of warm fires and story telling. A beautiful piece.
What is your favourite find from Nottinghamshire that has been recorded on the PAS database and why?
My favourite find from Nottinghamshire? This was a difficult one too, I have chosen, a sword button of again the Early Medieval period, dating from c. AD 600 – AD 650 (DENO-2A0601). This is a beautiful example of cloisonne garnets and wonderful gold craftsmanship. Although the garnets are missing, it still gives you an idea of the skill of these men. It is a stunning find, and one that bears similarities with the Staffordshire Hoard, arguably one of the most important finds of the last decade. To think that each cell was molded with simple tools and each garnet was cut exactly to fit each individual cell, perfectly, it staggers me. Objects like this are incredible, lucky, discoveries that can change how we understand the past.
