A Metal Detectorist Unearthed a 17th-Century Ring Linked to Westminster Abbey
A metal detectorist named Amanda Parker unearthed a 17th-century gold memorial ring on a farm in Catforth, Lancashire, buried eight inches underground. The ring features floral engraving, a skull motif, and an inscription bearing the name of Dr. Richard Busby, a prominent headmaster of Westminster School who died in 1695 and left money in his will for memorial rings to be distributed to staff, students, and associates. Parker discovered the ring in August 2024 and shared it with delighted staff at Westminster School before putting it up for auction at Noonans in London, where it was estimated to sell for £3,000 (about $4,000).
Reported by jckonline.com. 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.
