According to the British Museum, detectorists have discovered a record number of treasures

The British Museum announced on Tuesday that in 2019, citizens of England, Wales and Northern Ireland reported a record 1,311 finds that were defined as treasure. In total, 81,602 artefacts were reported and deposited into the PAS system last year - more than 90% of the detector finds.

Since the introduction of the Treasure Act 1996, and in particular the creation of PAS a year later, the steadily increasing trend in the number of finds reported and donated has been confirmed, as has the collaborativeIn the last six years, the number of cases with declared treasures has exceeded 1000 each time, with 2019 being a record year. Added to this is the increasing public interest in their own history as well as archaeology. More and more visitors to museums are reported each year.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is administered by the British Museum and National Museum Wales to encourage the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public. Many thousands of archaeological objects are discovered each year, almost 100% mostly using metal detectors. The finds recorded in the programme help to develop knowledge of the history and archaeology of England and Wales.

"The reason we record these objects in the first place is history - what they tell us about the past. Even if some are damaged or we only have fragments, it doesn't really matter. Together (the artefacts) paint a picture of what was happening in certain parts of the country at certain times," explains Michael Lewis, PAS director.

One of last year's most interesting finds is an 1100-year-old brooch discovered in Norfolk. Mr Lewis says it is an extremely rare discovery: 'It's an amazing example of Anglo-Saxon art of the time. When the finder dug it up, his first reaction was: is this even old? It could easily have been something more modern, inspired by the past. At first glance, the brooch really gives the impression of being a Victorian object."

The perfectly preserved brooch has a distinctly stylised Anglo-Saxon decoration with geometric designs and floral, mythical and animal themes, apparently depicting dogs, boars and dragons. "The back of the brooch is still functional and in perfect condition, you could easily wear the brooch today," said Mr Lewis, adding that although the jewel was found in Great Dunham, the local topsoil had recently been replenished with soil from elsewhere. So the brooch could well have come from the Pentney area, which might make sense given its similarity to some other brooches there.

"These discoveries from the public are vital to a better understanding of Britain's diverse history. It is incredibly encouraging that so many finds have been handed in voluntarily," said Mr Hartwig Fischer, Director of the British Museum.

Culture Secretary Caroline Dinenage also commented, "Each of these valuable discoveries tells us more about how our ancestors lived. I want to congratulate all those who have played an important role in uncovering our shared history."' She added that it was great to see more and more people showing up at local museums...

Roman Nemec

Sources: finds.org.uk, britishmuseum.org, inews.co.uk, museumsassociation.org