‘It’s a dream come true find’: Metal detectorist unearths medieval gold cross
Shelley Couzins, a metal detectorist with the Medway History Finders, unearthed a rare gold cross believed to date back to the medieval or Tudor period while searching a field on the Isle of Sheppey. The 10.6-gram, 2.5 cm pendant—thought to be an intact reliquary cross used to store sacred relics—features detailed engravings of Jesus on one side and Mary with the baby Jesus on the other, along with a hanging pearl and its original pin. Due to concerns about illegal night hunting, the exact location of the discovery is being kept secret. The item has been formally reported under the Treasure Act and handed over to a Finds Liaison Officer for expert evaluation, with the potential to eventually be displayed at the British Museum.
Reported by Kent Online. 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.
