Thursday, 18th January 2007 (4693 views)

There has been a spectacular increase in the amount of gold treasure found in the UK by amateurs wielding metal detectors, according to reports.

By law, all gold, bronze and silver discoveries made by hobbyists have to reported to the authorities in the UK who have noted a 25 per cent rise in finds lately from 426 items in 2005 to 506 items in 2006.

David Lammy, the minister of culture, says that metal detector enthusiast are "the unsung heroes of Britain's heritage" and despite some archaeologists taking offence to what they see as looters, they often do play a big part in finding golden artefacts.

Hobbyists tend to find smaller, but still important, items which help to define eras of history.

Neil MacGregor, who directs the British Museum, told The Guardian: "We now have a situation without parallel in Europe.

"Without doubt these finds are rewriting history."

Apparently the best places for keen historians to try to find real-life treasures are Kent where the Romans landed and a gold cup has been found, plus the Thames because the tide brings in forgotten coins.

 

« Back to the stories

 

The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.