Andrew Richardson (Finds Liaison Officer, Kent) will be attending Tenterden Library on Friday 28th March 2003 to identify and record archaeological objects found by members of the public. Andrew will be at the Library from 2pm until 4.30pm. All are welcome.
For further details please contact Andew on 01622 221544 or Email andrew.richardson@kent.gov.uk

From 1^st January 2003 the Treasure Act will be extended to include all prehistoric base-metal objects from the same find. This means that finders will have a legal obligation to report such finds to a coroner within 14 days of their discovery (or realising they might constitute Treasure).

'The Treasure (Designation) Order 2002 added to the definition of Treasure prehistoric base-metal assemblages. These are groups (defined as one of at least two) of base-metal objects, other than coins, of prehistoric date, i.e. up to, and including, the Iron Age, from the same find. In this case, the 'same find' means closed groups of objects including scatters of contemporary metal types which may reasonably be interpreted as having originally been in a closed group. The most compelling criteria when judging a 'closed group' are (i) that there are known precedents for the closes association of the given artefact types, and (ii) that follow-up excavation or investigation locates the original context. If in any doubt, finders are advised to seek expert advice'.

The Treasure Act 1996 Code of Practice (Revised)

The revision of the Act will ensure that museums now have the opportunity to acquire important hoards of pre-historic material where hitherto finders had no legal obligation to even show them to museum professionals or an archaeologist.

A Bronze Age axehead found - as part of a hoard - in Suffolk. From 1st January 2003 finders of all prehistoric base-metal objects from the same find (two or more) will have a legal obligation to report these under the Treasure Act. 

What is the definition of Treasure?

Coins

All coins from the same find (two or more) provided they are at least 300 years old when found. If they contain less than 10% gold or silver there must be at least 10 of them.

Objects

All prehistoric base-metal objects from the same find (two or more). All finds (one or more) at least 300 years old and containing 10% or more gold or silver. Associated finds: any object, whatever it is made of, found in the same place as (or had previously been together with, another object that is treasure.

For more information or the full text of the Treasure Act 1997 logon to www.finds.org.uk/background/treasure.

What should I do if I find something that may be Treasure?

You must report all finds of Treasure to a coroner for the district in which they are found eitherwithin 14 days after the day on which you made the discovery or within 14 days after the day on which you realised the find might be treasure.

For details of your local coroner see the Treasure Act Code of Practice on the Department of Culture, Media and Sport website www.culture.gov.uk/heritage/index.html (go to 'historic environment' then 'treasure and portable antiquities' then click on 'The Treasure Act Code of Practice (revised).

Following the recovery of part of a plough dispersed late Bronze Age hoard from a field east of Ipswich by Mr G. Cracknell in October, 2002, the landowner's estate manager agreed to provide a mechanical excavator to further investigate the find spot. This site investigation was carried out on 14th November by the Jon Newman (Archaeological Service, Suffolk County Council) assisted by Mr and Mrs G.Cracknell who were both equipped with metal-detectors. The initial finds from the hoard numbered some seven artefacts and fragments and these were recovered from an area of approximately 6 sq. m.
The area of the initial find having been marked by the finder, a wide, toothless, ditching bucket on the back-acter of the wheeled excavator (see picture below);was used to strip the plough soil over an area of about 2m x 2m in 100/150mm spits. Each spit was carefully searched with a metal-detector, as was the disturbed spoil. Two stray finds from the hoard were recovered from the initial spits removed from the find spot and a strong signal was noted near the centre of the investigation area. This strong signal was examined in more detail by hand and a copper alloy artefact was revealed near the base of the plough soil at a depth of about 300/350mm. More plough soil was therefore removed mechanically from around the in situ artefact before further hand investigation and intense detector cover confirmed that the point of deposit for the hoard had been located. A number (about 20) of complete artefacts, fragments and pieces of manufacturing waste were recovered from an area that was approximately 600mm across. However it rapidly became apparent that the complete hoard had been plough disturbed and that none of the finds were in situ as plough soil could be seen around and under the finds. In addition fragments of wood, or root, were noted around the finds and a sample of this material was retained as the find spot is well away from any existing trees in a large, arable field.
Following the recovery of the hoard finds the excavation area was cleaned by hand and a small depression measuring 350mm across, but only 80mm deep, was defined cut into the underlying silty sand natural. This feature remnant originally contained the hoard but arable cultivation of the field had disturbed the entire contents of the deposit. Some 350mm to the west of the hoard 'pit' a further area of disturbed soil was noted and hand cleaning defined a north-south running ditch which was some 600mm wide. The fill of this ditch was generally clean of charcoal flecks or other indicators of nearby domestic activity. Following the completion of this investigation the spoil was replaced mechanically and was subject to further detector cover. In addition an area of some 8 sq. m to the south of the main investigation was mechanically scraped to a depth of about 300mm and searched with detectors as one or two of the original hoard finds had been located in this area 2-3m away from the main deposit following plough disturbance.

As noted above the find spot is now within an arable field well away from any evidence of historic occupation. However the find spot does lie close to a complex of field boundaries and associated features recorded on aerial photographs which are likely to represent activity of Roman or earlier date. In addition the small scale investigation of the area immediately around the find spot has revealed a ditch of possible prehistoric date and this feature may have influenced the positioning of the hoard pit.
The author would like to thank the finders and the landowners and their representative for their co-operation and help in allowing this successful investigation to go ahead.
The artefacts recovered in this hoard are currently being identified and researched by the Finds Liaison Officer (Suffolk) and other staff of Suffolk County Council Archaeology Service. Further information about the finds recovered will be published at www.finds.org.uk in due course.
J. Newman, Archaeological Service, Suffolk County Council.

At a meeting to present archaeological policy, the Conservative Party spokesman on Archaeology, Malcolm Moss MP, welcomed the success of the Portable Antiquities Scheme and called upon the Government to ensure its long-term future.

The 'Historic Environment Forum' meeting at the Society of Antiquaries in London on 27^th November 2002 provided the forum for representatives of political parties to present their policies on 'archaeology and the historic environment'.

In his presentation the Conservative Party spokesman on Archaeology, Mr Moss (Member of Parliament for North Cambridgeshire) welcomed the success of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, and commended the Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund for ensuring the Scheme success in the short-term; until April 2006, when Lottery funding ends. However, he expressed concerns for the future of the Scheme after that. Mr Moss said that 'the Portable Antiquities Scheme had been incredibly successful', and 'in no way can't it continue after that'. He urged the Government to 'commit to the Scheme's long-term funding'.

At the same meeting Lord Redesdale, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Archaeology, confirmed his party's support for funding the Portable Antiquities Scheme in the long-term.

The BBC are looking for stories and finds to feature in a new popular archaeology series which starts filming in January 2003.

The series will look at the world of metal-detecting and show how this hobby has led to some of the most exciting archaeological discoveries of recent years. We will also see how metal-detectorists support archaeologists by helping survey sites or by offering their support at excavations.

In addition we will look at the Portable Antiquities Scheme's role in raising public awareness to the importance of reporting finds and how these detector finds are revolutionising our understanding of the past.

If you have a story to tell about an interesting find we would like to hear it.

Please contact us on the one of the numbers below: 

Ceinwen Paynton

Portable Antiquities Scheme

07881 912571

cpaynton@yahoo.co.uk

Trevor Austin

National Council for Metal Detecting

01709 868 521

trevor.austin@ncmd.co.uk

Or contact the Hidden Treasure team direct on 020 8752 6592 or at

Hidden.treasure@bbc.co.uk  ;

Or write to us at

Hidden Treasure

Room 3120

BBC White City

201 Wood Lane

Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, welcomed over 100 delegates from all over England and Wales to the 'launch' event in London. The delegates comprised of archaeologists, museum specialists, metal-detecting representatives and individuals from other interested organisations. In his speech Dr MacGregor made special note the Museum's contribution to the Portable Antiquities Scheme and in particular its work supporting the Treasure Act.

Left to right - Roger Bland (Head of Portable Antiquities), Anna Southall (Chief Executive, Resource), Baroness Blackstone (Minister for the Arts) and Neil MacGregor (Director, British Museum)

After which Baroness Blackstone, Minister for the Arts, formally launched the Portable Antiquities Report 2000-1, which she described as a 'wonderful document' [a full version of this report as a pdf file can be found by clicking on the link below]. In her speech the Minister paid tribute to the 'dedication and hard work of the Finds Liaison Officers' and also noted the contribution of finders.

She was followed by Anna Southall, Chief Executive of Resource: the Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries, who explained the role of Resource leading a consortium of bodies that manage the Scheme, providing technical support and expertise. She also formally launched the 'new look' Portable Antiquities Scheme website, after which an 'interactive demonstration' was given by Andrea Cordani, Resource's Website Manager.     

After lunch Roger Bland, Co-ordinator of the Portable Antiquities Scheme gave an 'Introduction to the Scheme'. He first talked about the origins and background of the Portable Antiquities Scheme and then discussed some of its achievements to date. Dr Bland also looked to the future, in particular the expansion of the Scheme to the whole of England and Wales from April 2003 when new Finds Liaison Officers and supporting posts will be appointed.

Lisa Voden-Decker, Treasure Registrar at the British Museum, then discussed 'the Treasure Act and the role of national museums and local advisers'. She gave an introduction to the Act from its inception and talked about the role of her office. She also made special note of the important contribution of the Finds Liaison Officers to the smooth running of the Treasure Act.

Next Angie Bolton, Finds Liaison Officer for the West Midlands, gave an upbeat and light hearted talk about the 'Life of a Finds Liaison Officer'. This was primarily directed at local partners who will be appointing new Finds Liaison Officers. She advised them on the facilities and support needed to ensure local liaison is a success.

Finally delegates heard from Richard Brewer, Keeper of Archaeology and Numismatics at the National Museums and Galleries of Wales, who talked about 'Managing the Scheme in Wales'. He demonstrated about how his department supported the role of the Finds Co-ordinator, and the contribution the finds already recorded had added to our knowledge of the history and archaeology of Wales.

The meeting was brought to a close by Roger Bland, who fielded questions from delegates on many of the different aspects of the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

A staggering 37,518 archaeological objects - including jewellery, coins and prehistoric household items - were reported during 2000 under the Culture Department's Portable Antiquities Scheme, according to a report published today.  Before the scheme's introduction in 1997, many of these would have gone unreported, and their importance to our history lost forever.

And these finds have led to the discovery of several important archaeological sites, including an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Hampshire and a post-Medieval kiln site in Dorset.

But these reported finds were only about ten per cent of the total number of items discovered by metal detector users and others during the period.

The Portable Antiquities Annual Report 2000-2001 also highlights the success of the Resource bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to extend the scheme to all parts of England and Wales from 2003.  Lottery funding, together with money from the DCMS will ensure the Scheme's future until at least 2006.

Arts Minister Tessa Blackstone said:  "The Portable Antiquities Scheme has been a resounding success since its introduction in 1997.  The country's archaeology is its hidden heritage, providing a priceless - and irreplaceable - record of the culture and social history of this island.  I pay tribute to the hard work of the Finds Liaison Officers who record the objects found, and to the thousands of metal detectorists and others whose perseverance and enthusiasm are doing so much to provide new insights into our ancient history."

A new Portable Antiquities website - www.finds.org.uk - has also been launched today.  It has been designed with help from Resource and is the principal means by which the data gathered by the Finds Liaison Officers is published and made available.  The on-line database now holds information about over 30,000 finds recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, offering an important research tool for both academics and the public at large.

Resource Chief Executive Anna Southall said:  "This new-look website will be useful for disseminating information about the scheme and helping to interest and involve people in archaeology.  New features include a finds showcase displaying unusual and interesting finds recorded by the scheme, and regional news pages, which allow visitors to learn more about exciting local discoveries and events happening in their area."

Notes to Editors:

Copies of the Report are available from the DCMS and on its website at www.culture.gov.uk and also on the Portable Antiquities website at: http://www.finds.org.uk/documents/annual4.pdf

Press Enquiries: 020 7211 6276\6272 Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153 Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200 Internet: http://www.culture.gov.uk

Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street London SW1Y 5DH

In a bold move The National Council of Metal Detecting (Southern Region) has recently updated its constitution with a strong emphasise upon liaison with the archaeological community and encouraging members to record their finds with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

In its constitution it is a stated object (aim) of The National Council of Metal Detecting (Southern Region) 'to encourage members to record their finds with the Portable Antiquities Scheme'. With responsibility at its core the document goes on to say that 'The NCMD Southern Region believes that finders of historical and archaeological objects have a responsibility to our heritage and that of future generations'. To assist in achieving this objective it is stated that The National Council of Metal Detecting (Southern Region) will 'give full support to the Portable Antiquities Scheme'.

David Barwell, Co-ordination & Research Officer of the NCMD Southern Region, said that 'metal-detector finds offer a potentially valuable contribution to our understanding of the past, and it is therefore important that these finds are recorded with the Finds Liaison Officers of the Portable Antiquities Scheme. This is why the constitution of the NCMD Southern Region has been updated'.

Roger Bland, Co-ordinator of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, welcomed this move saying that 'this is a bold move by the National Council of Metal Detecting (Southern Region) and demonstrates to archaeologists that many metal detectorists are making serious efforts to contribute to archaeology and our understanding of the past'.

In a debate on the Treasure (Designation) Order 2002 there was cross-party support in the House of Lords for the work of the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Lord's also call for the Government to ensure the Scheme's long-term funding.

Baroness Blackstone (The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport) praised the Scheme's Finds Liaison Officers, who she said

"have played an often crucial role in helping finders to report their finds and ensuring the smooth running of the (Treasure Act) system".

She added, 'thanks to the (Finds) Liaison Officers, it is already obvious that a significant number of finds have been reported as Treasure that would not otherwise have been', and that 'the Act, with the support of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, has achieved considerable success in mapping, protecting and bringing the general public closer to the more sensitive parts of our archaeological heritage, which would otherwise be lost'.

In reply Baroness Trumpington (Conservative) commented that 'In view of the Government's decision to extend the Act, do they accept the need to provide long-term stable funding for a nation-wide network of Finds Liaison Officers to make it work?'

These concerns were also mirrored by Lord Renfrew (Conservative) who said: 'I also salute the work of the Portable Antiquities Scheme initiated by the department (of Culture Media and Sport). It is splendid news that the number of (Finds) Liaison Officers will increase from the pilot scheme number (of) 12 to 36, to cover the whole of England and Wales. The department has been fortunate and, perhaps, skilful in arranging things so that the Heritage Lottery Fund is covering the expense of the enterprise for three years. However, as my noble friend (Baroness Trumpington) said, there are anxieties about what will follow. I understand that the Heritage Lottery Fund people have said privately that they do not intend to pay for the work for any further period. I ask the Minister for an assurance that her department is examining ways in which the Scheme will continue to be funded after April 2006. It is a national responsibility, and I hope for some encouragement from the Minister that the department regards it as such'.

Lord Renfrew also noted that 'in the debate in the House of Commons Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, Mr Richard Caborn (Minister for Sport) said that (the Finds) Liaison Officers played, "an often crucial role in helping finders report their finds and in ensuring the smooth running of the system. Thanks to the (Finds) Liaison Officers, it is already obvious that a significant number of finds have been reported as treasure that would otherwise not have been"'. [Official Report, Commons Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, 16/7/02; col. 5.].

Lord Redesdale (Liberal Democrat) also joined the debate. He praised the Minister for doing 'her utmost to ensure that the Portable Antiquities Scheme will survive in its present form and will be allowed to continue until the start of the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is welcome and will give the Scheme another three years'. However, he added that this 'will lead to a big problem in three years' time because representatives of the Heritage Lottery Fund, in giving evidence to the All-Party Archaeological Group, have categorically stated that they will not fund the Scheme past that three-year limit. That will lead to further debate in the House and to further careful appraisal of how the Government should finance the Scheme.

Lord Redesdale also added that 'it is only right that today we give thanks not only to the Minister but also to those who work with the Portable Antiquities Scheme. The treasure officers (sic Finds Liaison Officers) do such good work in liasing with the metal detectorists. Many metal detectorists do sterling work, not to make financial profit but to protect the historic heritage'.

Baroness Buscombe (Conservative) also reiterated concerns about the long-term funding of the Portable Antiquities Scheme. She said 'it must be made possible to have a sustainable nation-wide network of Find Liaison Officers to support compliance with the (Treasure) Act'.

In her reply Baroness Blackstone gave reassurance to the question of long-term sustainability of the Portable Antiquities Scheme. She stated that 'I was asked about the Portable Antiquities Scheme and whether I can given an assurance that it will receive long-term funding. Like other speakers, I was delighted to know that the Heritage Lottery Fund was able to support the Scheme. That funding will expire in April 2006. In the mean time, I will give the reassurance that has been requested today: that the DCMS will give active thought to the question of the long-term sustainability of the Scheme.

On the question of the revision of the Treasure Act 1996 Code of Practice, the motion was agreed.

In September 2002 a late 'Viking Age' sword of the 10th or 11th century was reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales. The lower part of the iron blade is missing, but otherwise the sword is in good condition. The hilt has a three-lobed pommel, which is characteristic of swords of this period. Conservators at the National Museums & Galleries of Wales have x-rayed the sword to determine details of the hilt and to view the surviving metal beneath the layers of iron corrosion.
This object is the first known iron sword of this date to be found in Wales with a good provenance.

X-ray of Viking Age sword