Metal detectorist finds 'rare' Roman treasures in Buckinghamshire
Metal detectorist Adam McLelland discovered a rare hoard of nearly 2,000-year-old Roman bronze objects in the Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, which was subsequently excavated with the help of local council archaeologists and Oxford Archaeology. The collection features exceptional items, including two enamelled mounts, a glass gaming counter, a bone die, and notably, the intact pieces and internal "peas" of a fragile bronze rattle—a rare ceremonial artefact seldom found in Britain. Following a private donation to cover essential conservation work, the metal detectorist and landowner donated the full set of artefacts to the Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury, where they are being put on public display.
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.
