Army bomb disposal team descends on Blyth after metal detectorists discover grenades in field
An Army bomb disposal team was called to a field in Blyth after members of the True North Detecting metal‑detecting group uncovered two old Mills grenades, likely dating back to World War Two, prompting police and military personnel to secure the area before carrying out a controlled explosion; specialists from 521 Squadron of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment identified and safely demolished the devices, which had been buried for decades before being disturbed.
Reported by Chronicle Live. The full report is linked below.
Those four are for England and Wales, where the Portable Antiquities Scheme records finds and the Treasure Act decides what must be reported.
Scotland runs its own system, and every find is reportable there — not only treasure. Treasure Trove Unit ›
The Republic of Ireland is different again, and severely so. Searching for archaeological objects without the Minister’s written consent is a criminal offence carrying fines or imprisonment, and the definition is broad enough to cover coins, buttons and buckles of almost any age. Do not assume British rules travel with you. The law, from the National Museum ›
Northern Ireland is stricter still. The Treasure Act applies and finds go to National Museums NI within fourteen days, but any searching that involves digging — metal detecting expressly included — needs a licence, and licences are only granted for archaeological projects. National Museums NI ›
This site covers discoveries from all over the world, and so does the variation in the law — from a recording scheme that thanks you, to a criminal offence. Wherever you are searching, find out what applies there before you go, not after.
