Thursday 5th October, Yorkshire Museum, York

The Portable Antiquities Scheme conference 2023 looks at the contribution of archaeological finds discovered by metal detectorists to archaeology. These finds, when recorded through the Scheme, have the potential to transform archaeological knowledge, enabling the stories of past peoples and their landscapes to be told.

The conference features talks by researchers presenting findings of projects using Scheme data to demonstrate the enormous contribution responsible metal-detecting could make to archaeology.

All are welcome.

To book please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pas-conference-2023-the-contribution-of-detector-finds-to-archaeology-tickets-663511078497?aff=oddtdtcreator

The conference is free but booking is essential as places are limited. As spaces are limited, please contact ccostin@britishmuseum.org if you have booked but are no longer able to attend.

Please see https://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/visitor-information/ for details on how to get to Yorkshire Museum and accessibility. Please note that you will not have to buy museum tickets to access the conference.

Programme

10:00 Registration

10:20 Welcome

Session 1: The PAS contribution to the study of finds

10:30 Keynote 1: Rethinking research in Roman Britain: the contribution of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (Philippa Walton)

11:00 Paper 1: Finding hidden treasure in the Portable Antiquities Scheme database: A study of Bronze Age hoards and find scatters in Oxfordshire (Ed Caswell)

11:20 Paper 2: Art and Data: the Portable Antiquities Scheme and its contribution to the story of La Tène period art in England and Wales (Reb Ellis-Haken)

11:40 Paper 3: In Search of the Iceni: Iron Age and Roman Finds from East Anglia (Natasha Harlow)

12:00 Panel Discussion

12:30 Introduction to Ryedale Hoard exhibition

Lunch and networking

Session 2: PAS finds in a wider context

14:00 Keynote 2: Where Power Lies: the archaeology of early medieval elite centres (Duncan Wright)

14:30 Paper 4: Understanding Roman sites in Gloucestershire (Tony Roberts)

14:50 Paper 5: Playing the game: Bringing Metal Detecting and Archaeology Together in Northumberland (Andy Agate)

15:10 Paper 6: PAS data & Regional Research Frameworks: finding a focus (Ben Westwood)

15:30 Panel Discussion

16:00 Final thoughts (Michael Lewis & Andy Woods)

16:30 End

We are excited to be part of the Council for British Archaeology's Festival of Archaeology 2023, Archaeology and Creativity, launching on 15 July.

Between 15 and 30 July there are a variety of events and activities for all ages, celebratingarchaeology and creativity.

Find an event near you or see our ever-growing list of PAS activities below.

We look forward to seeing you there!

PAS Festival of Archaeology Events

15 July Finds Identification & Children's Activities, Powys Castle

15 July Finds Handling Session, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Shropshire

15 July Finds Handling Session & Other Activities, Binchester Roman Fort

15 July Finds Day, Bassetlaw Museum, Nottinghamshire

15 July PAS Stand, Peterborough Museum 'archaeology day'

16 July Finds Identification & Other Activities, Powys Castle

16 July Informational Stall, John Lewis, Leicester

16 July Finds Handling Session & Other Activities, Binchester Roman Fort

18 July Finds Day, Lancashire Conservation Studios, Preston

19 July Finds Surgery, Museum of Oxford, Oxfordshire

20 July Finds Surgery, Bankfield Museum, Halifax, West Yorkshire

20 July Finds Surgery, Wakefield Museum, West Yorkshire

20 July Finds Day, Fleetwood Museum, Lancashire

20 July Finds Surgery, Blaise Castle Museum, Bristol

21 July Finds Surgery, Daventry Museum, Northamptonshire

22 July Finds Day & Other Activities, Salisbury Museum, Wiltshire

22 July Finds Handling Session, Warrington Museum & Art Gallery

22 July Pop-up-Stand, Wallingford Museum, Oxfordshire

22 July PAS Stand & Finds Identification, Godolphin Cross community excavation, Cornwall

22 July Finds Handling Session, Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury

22 July Finds Surgery & Finds Handling, 'Living History Family Day', North Lincolnshire Museum, Scunthorpe

22 July Finds Surgery & Stand, Clitheroe Castle Museum, Lancashire

23 July Finds Day & Other Activities, Salisbury Museum, Wiltshire

24 July Pop-up-Stand, Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire

24 July Pop-up-Stand, Museum of Oxford, Oxfordshire

25July Finds Day (am) and 'The Treasure Act and the Portable Antiquities Scheme' talk (pm), Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Minster

25 July Finds Day & Finds Handling, Medieval Fun Day, Market Square, Derbyshire

27July Finds Day (am) and Other Activities (pm), Blandford Town Museum, Dorset

26 July Finds Day, Barnsley Museum, South Yorkshire

28July Various Activities, Dorset Museum, Dorchester

28 July Finds Handling Session, Weoley Castle, Birmingham

28 July Finds Surgery, Corby Heritage Centre, Northamptonshire

28 July Finds Day, Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery

28 July Pop-up-Stand, Castell Henllys (Iron Age Village), Pembrokeshire

29 July Pop-up-Stand, Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Powys

29 July PAS Stand, Southwark Cathedral 'Mudlarking and Heritage craft day', London

29 July Finds Identification and Finds Handling, Lewes Castle, East Sussex

30 July PAS Stand, Colchester Roman Festival, Essex

30July Various Activities, Hengefest, Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, Dorset

30 July PAS Display and Finds Handling, St Nicholas Church 'Roman Leicester Heritage Sunday', Leicester

30 July Finds Day, Westbury Manor Museum, Fareham, Hampshire

30 July PAS Display, Heckington Show, Heckington, Lincolnshire

30 July 'On the stage', Greenwich Park, London

• The British Museum announces the discovery of an important jewel (chain with pendant) associated with Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon (Henry's first wife), reported Treasure via the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
• Over 45,000 archaeological items were recorded in 2021 including over 1,000 Treasure finds, including a silver medieval strap-end from Hampshire, also revealed to the public for the first time.

Today at the British Museum, Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, launched the Treasure Annual Report for 2020 and the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) Annual Report for 2021. These show that 45,581 archaeological finds were recorded, including 1,085 Treasure cases, highlighting the massive contribution that members of the public are making to archaeological knowledge. Most of these finds (96%) have been found by people metal- detecting, where most of the finds are made on cultivated land.

The counties recording the most PAS finds in 2021 were Gloucestershire (8,113), Suffolk (4,676) and Lincolnshire (4,247), with significant numbers also recorded in Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and North Yorkshire. For the same year, the areas where most Treasure was reported were Norfolk (85), Kent (74), Lincolnshire and Wiltshire (both 68).

These reports outline the work of the PAS in England and Wales, and the success of the Treasure Act 1996 across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Featured at the launch of the annual reports was a remarkable gold pendant on chain linked by its imagery to Henry VIII and his first wife Katherine of Aragon (m. 1509-33). The object is formed of a heart-shaped pendant with enamelled motifs, link, enamelled suspension link in the form of a hand, and a chain made up of 75 links. The front of the pendant is decorated with an entwined 'Tudor rose' and pomegranate bush, with the legend + TOVS + IORS (a pun on the French for 'always') below; the double-headed white and red rose was used by the Tudors from 1486, and the pomegranate was the badge of Katherine of Aragon. The reverse shows the letters H and K (for Henry and Katherine), in Lombardic script, linked by ribbon, again with the legend + TOVS + IORS. The object was found in Warwickshire by Charlie Clarke while metal-detecting and is likely to be acquired by a museum. For more details on the item see the PAS database record WMID-A51F34.

Also highlighted was a medieval silver strap-end, of interest since it shows a fabulous beast on either side, akin to such animals in medieval manuscripts. On one side is depicted a bird- like animal with long neck and human face, with the other side showing a dog-like animal.

Such objects would have adorned the ends of medieval belts (protecting the leather or textile strap), but this one is particularly special since it is ornately decorated, perhaps belonging to someone of some status, such as a merchant. The object dates to the 14th century and was found in Hampshire by Barry Cole while metal-detecting. It is hoped the object will be acquired by Hampshire Cultural Trust. For more details on the item see the PAS database record HAMP-120BDA.

Hartwig Fischer, Director of the British Museum, said: "The British Museum is proud of its role running the Portable Antiquities Scheme and overseeing the administration of the Treasure Act 1996 in England. It is fantastic that in 2021 so many finds have been recorded and that many of the most important have been acquired by museums for public benefit, so they can be seen and enjoyed by people across the whole of the country."

Arts & Heritage Minister, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, said: "It is wonderful to see archaeology and metal-detecting across the country thriving - helping to uncover treasures which deepen our understanding of our shared national history. Supported by the success of the Treasure Act, it means that hundreds of wonderful discoveries are now in museums across the UK where they can be enjoyed by everyone."

Michael Lewis, Head of PAS and Treasure at the British Museum, said: "The finds recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme have been found by everyday people (not archaeologists), mostly by those enjoying their hobby of metal-detecting. These finds, if recorded, are making a massive contribution to archaeology and (as in the case of the Henry and Katherine pendant) helping to transform our knowledge of Britain's past."

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: "I'm delighted that Historic England was able to support with archaeological investigations of the pendant site. This beautiful pendant is a thrilling discovery giving us a tangible connection to Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon and enriches our understanding of the Royal Court at the time."

PAS at the British Museum

The Portable Antiquities Scheme database finds.org.uk/database holds information on over 1,608,000 items all freely accessible to the public. Most of these finds were found by metal- detectorists - 96% in 2021.The British Museum supports a responsible approach to searching for finds as outlined in the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal-detecting in England and Wales that helps protect archaeology and advance our knowledge of the past.

The PAS records archaeological finds discovered by the public to advance knowledge, tell the stories of past communities and further public interest in the past. It is a partnership project, managed by the British Museum in England and through Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales) in Wales, working with almost 100 national and local organisations, and delivered through its network of locally based Finds Liaison Officers and supported by key staff at the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru, as well as the Welsh Archaeological Trusts, National Finds Advisers, Finds Liaison Assistants, interns and community volunteers.

The PAS report also outlines that in 2021:

• Finds made by 2,665 individuals were recorded
• 96% of finds were found on cultivated land, where they are susceptible to plough damage and artificial and natural corrosion processes
• 98% of PAS finds were recorded to the nearest 100m, the minimum requirement for findspot information for Historic Environment Records
• 872 research projects have used PAS data to date
• 381,021 unique visitors visited the PAS websites and database. Currently, there are at least 54,500 registered account users of the PAS database
• At least 760 outreach events took place, including talks and finds days, attended by over 16,000 people.

For more information, follow our social media channels @BritishMuseum Images for press can be found here: https://bit.ly/3R6vnrN

Contact the Communications team: communications@britishmuseum.org

Today at the British Museum, Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, launched theTreasure Annual Report for 2019and thePortable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) Annual Report for 2020. These show that49,045archaeological finds were recorded throughout the first year of the pandemic. This number is lower than previous years as opportunities for metal-detectorists to record their finds were limited due to lockdowns and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The counties recording the most PAS finds in 2020 were East Yorkshire (5,584 finds), Norfolk (5,206) and Suffolk (4,048). For the same year, the areas where most Treasure was reported were Norfolk (104 cases), Hampshire (71) and Suffolk (57). These reports outline the work of the PAS in England and Wales, and the success of the Treasure Act 1996 across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Some of these finds include:

The1 millionth recordlogged on the PAS database was a copper-alloymedieval harness pendantfound in Binbook, Lincolnshire (NLM-B7AFF3). Over 1,500,000 finds have already been recorded by the PAS, but some database records include more than one item - in the case of a hoard, this can be several hundred items. Over1,000,000 individual discoverieshave now been found and offered for recording by public finders, many of whom are metal-detectorists, greatly adding to our understanding of Britain's past.

An unusualsilver medieval seal matrixdating to the early 13^thcentury inscribed with the nameMatilda de Cornhillwas found at Hollingbourne, Kent (KENT-876D2D). Depicting a kneeling female figure, assumed to be a representation of Matilda herself, praying to the enthroned Virgin and Child - a well-known motif of the medieval period. The inscription in Latin reads SIGILL'MATILD'DECORDhVLL', an abbreviation of SIGLLIVM MATILDA DE CORNHVLL (Seal of Matilda de Cornhill). Seal matrices from this period were usually made of copper-alloy or lead-alloy and were more commonly owned by men. As this matrix is made of silver and in a woman's name, it is likely that Matilda was aperson of statusin her own right. Though we currently have no other documents with a seal using a similar matrix, 'Maud' and 'Matilda' were used interchangeably during this period; the owner may be Maud de Cornhill, the steward of St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury, whose husband was Reginald De Cornhill (active 1189-1215), High Sheriff of Kent and Constable of Rochester Castle.

A unique and mysterious early medievalgoldpendantwith arare runic inscriptionwas found in the North of England. The pendant, in the form of a cross, dates to around AD 700-900 and was found near to Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumbria (DUR-B62F57).Runic inscriptions on objects are rare and even more uncommon on crosses, making this an exceptional object, with few clear parallels. Runic inscriptions often provide the name of a person associated with the object, such as its maker or owner. The text on this pendant comprises six runes, with two parallel scratches that may be an attempt to reinstate a rune that had been obliterated by the suspension hole. The runic inscription reads'ᛖᚫᛞᚱᚢᚠ', which can be translated as Eadruf - likely a personal name. Intriguingly, this would be a "hitherto unknown and etymologically mysterious name" according to expert Professor John Hines (University of Cardiff) - potentially making Eadruf anew additionto recorded early medieval names.Berwick Museum and Art Gallery hopes to acquire.

A hoard ofRoman coins found in three potswas found at Wickwar, Gloucestershire (GLO-CCC7BC) by metal detectorists Mark Lovell and Mark Wilcox. When the finders realised the coins were undisturbed and buried in the ground, they contacted the local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO), Kurt Adams, who organised an archaeological excavation to help preserve the hoard. The hoard was 'block lifted' to keep it intact and brought to labs at the British Museum where it was X-rayed and carefully micro-excavated. Conservation work revealed over6,500 coinswhich dated to the 4th century AD from the three separate vessels, which seem to have been put in the ground atdifferent times. During this period, many hoards were buried by Romans for safekeeping. A geophysical survey has been carried out on the site of the hoards to try and learn more about its past landscape, as it may be a previously unknown Roman site.

Hartwig Fischer, Director of the British Museum, said: "The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is an essential part of the British Museum's national activity, reaching out to people across the country to record their archaeological finds so that these can add to our knowledge of the past. If these finds are Treasure, they may benefit museum collections across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Essential in this work is our partnerships with museums and heritage organisations across the UK, as well as those abroad where the PAS is admired and emulated."

Arts Minister,Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, said: "Human beings have been fascinated by treasure from previous generations for centuries and these new statistics show the search for, and engagement with it, still captivates us today. I'm delighted that one million records of archaeological finds made by the public have now been logged. It shows the important role we all can play in protecting and cherishing our heritage.It's wonderful that so many treasure finds are now on display at museums across England, Wales and Northern Ireland for everyone to learn from and enjoy."

Michael Lewis, Head of PAS and Treasure at the British Museum, said: "It is important to acknowledge the positive contribution made by metal-detectorists and other public finders across the country. If recorded, following theCode of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales, these finds are transforming the archaeological map of Britain. No matter how small or fragmentary these finds are all part of the great jigsaw puzzle of our past."

PAS at the British Museum

The British Museum's PAS databasefinds.org.uk/databaseholds information on over 1,554,000 items all freely accessible to the public. Most finds - over 91% of those discovered in 2020 - are made by metal detectorists. The British Museum supports a responsible approach to searching for finds as outlined in theCode of Practice for Responsible Metal-detecting in England and Walesthat helps preserve our understanding of these objects and enhance knowledge of the past.

The PAS recordsarchaeological finds discovered by the public to advance knowledge, tell the stories of past communities and further public interest in the past.Itis a partnership project, managed by the British Museum in England and hosted through Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales in Wales, working with at least 98 national and local organisations, and delivered through its network of 40 locally based Finds Liaison Officers and supported by key staff at the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, as well as the Welsh Archaeological Trusts, National Finds Advisers, interns and community volunteers.

The website and database will be unavailable between Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th November while they are transferred to new servers. During this time you will still be able to visit the site and database, although viewing may be limited and you won't be able to make any edits.Any edits or work done within this period will be lost. Within that window, the site will be inaccessible for a period between 1 and 24 hours while IS test that the site is working on its new server.

The Association of Detectorists are the recipients of funding from Historic England to explore the feasibility of setting up an Institute which represents and supports responsible metal detecting.

The Association has launched a survey to understand more about what detectorists and other interested people think about the idea of developing an Institute for Detectorists, including more information about its possible role and what it might offer potential members.

The survey includes questions about the role the proposed Institute may take in advocating for detectorists and detecting, and as a membership organisation offering training, recognition and other benefits.

Feedback will help the Association define the role, remit and structure of the proposed Institute, especially in relation to its strategic aims and priorities, and membership options for the differing interests of the detecting community.

To take part in the survey please visithttps://forms.gle/5H3W5VuYWstxDkMa9. The survey will close on the 15th March.

More information on the Association of Detectorists can be found here.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has seen a boost in finds from back-gardens recorded with the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme, as well as an increase in digital recording, especially during 'full lockdown' (22 March to 13 May) when metal-detecting was prohibited and in the second 'lockdown' (from 5 November), with restrictions on how people exercise. During the first lockdown, 6,251 finds were recorded with the PAS and the records of 22,507 finds on the database were updated; so far this year (2020) over 47,000 finds have been recorded. This has included some very special and intriguing discoveries:

A rare find of 50 modern South African Krugerrand 1oz solid gold coins were found by chance in a back-garden in the Milton Keynes area (BUC-944E2C); they were minted by the Rand Refinery in Germiston in the 1970s during the period of apartheid. How they ended up in Milton Keynes and why they were buried are, for the moment, a mystery. The Coroner, who will decide whether they are classed as 'Treasure' (under the historic crown right of treasure trove predating the current Treasure Act), will need to determine whether the original owner of the coins (or their heirs) are known. It is hoped that by making the find public, someone with information will come forward to either the Milton Keynes coroner or the British Museum.

63 gold coins and 1 silver coin of Edward IV through to Henry VIII, and deposited in about 1540, were uncovered in the New Forest area, Hampshire as the finders pulled out weeds in their garden (HAMP-EC901C). Ranging across nearly a century, dating from the late 15th to early 16th centuries, the hoard includes four coins from Henry VIII's reign, unusually featuring the initials of his wives Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour. The total value of the coins far exceeds the average annual wage in the Tudor period, but it is not yet clear whether this was a saving hoard which was regularly deposited into or if the coins were buried all at once.

Besides these finds, which will go through the Treasure process and which finders have a legal obligation to report, a number of other interesting items have been recorded in 2020 through the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme. These include:

A copper-alloyRoman furniture fitting, found in Old Basing, Hampshire (SUR-77CBD4), and dating from c.AD 43-200. It is decorated with the remarkably well-preserved face of the god Oceanus, including intricate seaweed fronds framing the god's face, beard and moustache. Tiny dolphins beneath each ear swim down towards the god's chin, whilst serpentine creatures rest on either side of Oceanus' temples - marine motifs related to the god. So far, no close parallel has been identified among the decoration on household fixtures and fittings for chests, couches or doors of this period, making this item seemingly unique.

Discovered atDursley, Gloucestershire (GLO-031814), was a lead-alloymedieval seal matrixin the name of David, Bishop of St Andrews, identified as David de Bernham (r. 1239-53). The pointed-oval (vessica) matrix shows the bishop standing in his vestments, with a crozier in his left hand. The inscription in Latin reads 'David, God's messenger, bishop of St Andrews'. High-status seal matrices are usually made of copper-alloy or even silver. Given the material, and the relatively low-quality manufacture of this piece, it is thought likely that this is a contemporary forgery, perhaps used to authenticate copied documents.

A copper-alloy medieval mount, typically worn on low slung belts over armour, that has been gilded, silvered and enamelled, was found at Colyton, Devon (SOM-F219CB). Depicting the white boar of Richard III (r. 1483-85), used as the personal badge by Richard, formerly Duke of Gloucester, from at least the 1470s. Badges were produced in large number for his coronation, the investiture of his son (Edward) as Prince of Wales, and worn by his supporters. It is likely, therefore, that this example was from a belt, or similar, used by one of Richard's retinue or supporters.

The announcement comes as the British Museum launched thePortable Antiquities Scheme Annual Report for 2019, which details that 81,602 public finds were logged last year, an increase of over 10,000 on 2018's report. Norfolk yielded the most finds, with 13% of this total, whilst Hampshire and Suffolk account for 7% each. These finds have led to the discovery of exciting archaeological sites, ranging from a high-status Iron Age to Roman dispersed settlement with associated burials in Kent and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Lincolnshire, but also a more general picture of how people lived in the past, and where they settled and worked.

The PAS database (finds.org.uk/database) holds information on over 1,514,000 objects, all freely accessible to the public. The Scheme exists to record archaeological finds discovered by the public to advance knowledge and understanding of British history through research and furthering public interest in the past. Most are found by metal-detectorists - over 90% of 2019's finds - and a responsible approach to searching finds (as outlined in theCode of Practice for Responsible Metal-detecting) that helps preserve our understanding of these objects and enhance our knowledge of the PAS. The PAS is a partnership project, managed by the British Museum (in England) and hosted by theAmgueddfa Cymru- National Museum Wales (in Wales), and consisting of 40 locally based Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs), whose job it is to record archaeological finds made by the public.

Hartwig Fischer, Director of the British Museum, said "The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is a unique partnership, that brings together archaeologists, museum professionals, landowners and finders, especially within the metal-detecting community, to better understand, appreciate and protect Britain's rich past. The British Museum, together with our colleagues in Wales and a network of local partners across both countries, is proud of its role in delivering the PAS and reaching communities across England and Wales."

Caroline Dinenage, Culture Minister, said: "Like all of us, the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme has had to adapt in recent months but it is brilliant to see the scheme growing from strength to strength during lockdown thanks to garden discoveries and digital reporting. I'd like to thank every finder and Finds Liaison Officer whose commitment and hard work has kept this important scheme running smoothly this year."

Michael Lewis, Head of PAS and Treasure at the British Museum, said: "The Portable Antiquities Scheme has an essential role in recording archaeological finds made by the public and supporting the statutory provisions of the Treasure Act 1996. Even at this time, through the Covid-19 pandemic, our team of Finds Liaison Officers have continued to reach-out to metal-detectorists and others to ensure finds, important for understanding Britain's past, are not lost but instead recorded for posterity."

The British public have discovered many hundreds of thousands of archaeological objects, and today the British Museum reveals that the number recorded to its Portable Antiquities Scheme has hit a milestone 1.5 million. These finds have radically transformed what we know about life through time on the British Isles.

The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) was first set up in 1997 so that archaeological objects found by the public can be recorded to help advance our knowledge of past. It reached 1.5 million object records on Wednesday. The item that helped cross this historic milestone was a medieval lead papal bulla (a seal for authorising papal documents, such as edicts and indulgencies) of Pope Innocent IV (r.1243-54), that was found in Shropshire.

All the discoveries on the PAS database since its inception 23 years ago have been made by members of the public. Most of them are found buried in the ground by metal detectorists. Thanks to the public's efforts, including those made through responsible metal-detecting, our understanding of past communities living in Britain over thousands of years has radically improved. Many individual finds have transformed what we know almost overnight and have become some of the most famous historical objects in the UK, such as the gold treasures of the Staffordshire Hoard.

A number of discoveries are so important to the history of the life in Britain that they have been acquired or displayed by museums for the public to enjoy. But all the information recorded on the PAS database is freely available to anyone, and is used by students, scholars, researchers and the public alike.

To celebrate this important milestone, the British Museum with BBC History Magazine today also reveal 10 discoveries by the public and recorded on the PAS which experts have judged to have most transformed our knowledge of the past. These include a silver-gilt badge in the shape of a Boar found near the site of King Richard III's death in battle, and the discovery of thousands of Roman 'grots' - worn-down coins - which has reshaped our understanding of Roman Britain. The full list can be seen in this month's edition of BBC History magazine.

There is a large diversity amongst the 1.5 million discoveries. They range in size from vast coin hoards - the biggest was the Frome Hoard of 52,500 coins - to one-of-a-kind single pieces such as the 3,500-year-old Ringlemere Cup. The oldest items include prehistoric-worked flint from 700,000 years ago; the youngest include 20^th-century military badges. Recorded finds include arrowheads, axes, beads, brooches, buckles, coins, combs, finger-rings, gaming pieces, knives, sculpture, spindle whorls, tokens and vervels.

PAS was first created as a pilot scheme in 1997. In 2003, it was expanded across the whole of England and Wales (thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund grant) to ensure that knowledge and information about finds was recorded for public benefit. The PAS is a partnership project, managed by the British Museum (in England) and Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales. It is funded in England through the British Museum's grant-in-aid from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), with local partner contributions, and is one of the main ways the museum reaches across the UK through its national activity.

The front line of the Scheme in England is its network of 40 Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs) who are archaeologists trained to identify and record finds. They are all locally based covering the whole country, employed within museums and other heritage organisations, but overseen the British Museum.

From 23 March to 12 May 2020, metal-detecting and other forms of searching for archaeological finds were essentially prohibited under the coronavirus lockdown. Only a handful of objects were still being found, mostly by people digging in their gardens. These include some coin finds, pottery fragments and worked flint.

But while the number of new reported discoveries decreased during lockdown, work to record a backlog of finds continued. Over 6,000 objects that were found before 23 March were uploaded on to the PAS database during the six-week lockdown period, helping to push the overall figure towards the 1.5million milestone.

Since the relaxing of lockdown rules from 13 May 2020, it has been possible for finders to go out searching for objects again as long as they maintain social-distancing rules. There remains a legal obligation for people to report Treasure finds and stop if they find any archaeology in situ (so that a find, such as a coin hoard, remains undisturbed from when it was deposited). For other finds, finders are being asked to make a note of the findspot and hold onto these (in most cases) until they can be brought in to the FLO for recording.

Hartwig Fischer, Director of the British Museum, said "1.5 million finds is an historic milestone for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, and the British Museum wishes to thank everyone who has voluntarily come forward to record their discoveries so we can all learn more about our shared past. We are proud of our work with the PAS and it is a unique partnership between the British Museum and our national and local partners across England and Wales. We look forward to many more objects being recorded, and who knows what exciting discoveries are yet to be found."

Michael Lewis, Head of PAS and Treasure at the British Museum, said: "There is no doubt that these finds have transformed our understanding of the history and archaeology of England and Wales, and that of Britain more generally. Some of these items are spectacular and are finds of a lifetime. But even the smallest and most modest items offer clues about our history, so we encourage everyone who makes a find to continue to come forward."

Search the full PAS database at finds.org.uk

For current government advice on searching for archaeological finds (with a metal-detector, field-walking or mudlarking) in England during COVID-19 please see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-on-searching-for-archaeological-finds-in-england-during-covid-19