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Rare Anglo-Saxon Treasures Unearthed In a remarkable discovery that has thrilled archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike, two metal detectorists have uncovered a pair of exquisite gold and garnet artifacts from the Anglo-Saxon period in southwestern England’s Wiltshire county. Dating back approximately 1,400 years to the 7th century AD, the finds include a stunning gold and garnet raven’s head and an intricately designed gold band or ring. The discovery was made on January 8, 2025, during a metal detecting rally organized by the 9th Region Metal Detecting Group in West Wiltshire. Paul Gould, one of the detectorists, first spotted a flattened gold band inlaid with triangular garnets and studded with tiny gold beads, which he initially mistook for a simple metal object. Shortly afterward, his detecting partner, Chris Phillips, unearthed the star of the show: a decorative raven’s head crafted from gold, featuring a striking garnet eye encircled by white enamel and intricate filigree work outlining the “feathers” with garnets set on a waffle-pattern foil backing. The raven head, weighing around 60 grams as estimated, showcases the advanced metalworking techniques of the era, with tiny gold spheres adding to its detailed plumage. These artifacts are believed to be part of elite jewelry or ceremonial objects, reflecting the high status of their original owners during the Anglo-Saxon period. Ravens held significant symbolic meaning in Germanic and Norse mythology, often associated with wisdom, warfare, darkness, and death, which adds a layer of cultural intrigue to the find. The use of garnets, a popular gemstone in Anglo-Saxon jewelry from the 6th to 8th centuries, further ties these pieces to the artistic traditions of the time. Phillips described the moment of discovery as overwhelming: “It’s unbelievable — I’m a bit emotional.” The finds have been declared treasure under the UK’s Treasure Act, and experts from the British Museum are evaluating them for potential acquisition, highlighting their national significance. #metaldetecting #metaldetectinguk #metaldetectingfinds #detectorists This discovery underscores the valuable role that amateur metal detectorists play in uncovering Britain’s rich archaeological heritage, often in collaboration with professional archaeologists. Similar finds, such as those from the Staffordshire Hoard, have previously revealed the opulence and artistry of Anglo-Saxon England. As analysis continues, these Wiltshire treasures promise to offer new insights into the social and cultural dynamics of 7th-century Britain.

Rare Anglo-Saxon Treasures Unearthed In a remarkable discovery that has thrilled archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike, two metal detectorists have uncovered a pair of exquisite gold and garnet artifacts from the Anglo-Saxon period in southwestern England’s Wiltshire county. Dating back approximately 1,400 years to the 7th century AD, the finds include a stunning gold and garnet raven’s head and an intricately designed gold band or ring. The discovery was made on January 8, 2025, during a metal detecting rally organized by the 9th Region Metal Detecting Group in West Wiltshire. Paul Gould, one of the detectorists, first spotted a flattened gold band inlaid with triangular garnets and studded with tiny gold beads, which he initially mistook for a simple metal object. Shortly afterward, his detecting partner, Chris Phillips, unearthed the star of the show: a decorative raven’s head crafted from gold, featuring a striking garnet eye encircled by white enamel and intricate filigree work outlining the “feathers” with garnets set on a waffle-pattern foil backing. The raven head, weighing around 60 grams as estimated, showcases the advanced metalworking techniques of the era, with tiny gold spheres adding to its detailed plumage. These artifacts are believed to be part of elite jewelry or ceremonial objects, reflecting the high status of their original owners during the Anglo-Saxon period. Ravens held significant symbolic meaning in Germanic and Norse mythology, often associated with wisdom, warfare, darkness, and death, which adds a layer of cultural intrigue to the find. The use of garnets, a popular gemstone in Anglo-Saxon jewelry from the 6th to 8th centuries, further ties these pieces to the artistic traditions of the time. Phillips described the moment of discovery as overwhelming: “It’s unbelievable — I’m a bit emotional.” The finds have been declared treasure under the UK’s Treasure Act, and experts from the British Museum are evaluating them for potential acquisition, highlighting their national significance. #metaldetecting #metaldetectinguk #metaldetectingfinds #detectorists This discovery underscores the valuable role that amateur metal detectorists play in uncovering Britain’s rich archaeological heritage, often in collaboration with professional archaeologists. Similar finds, such as those from the Staffordshire Hoard, have previously revealed the opulence and artistry of Anglo-Saxon England. As analysis continues, these Wiltshire treasures promise to offer new insights into the social and cultural dynamics of 7th-century Britain.

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When Beeps Lead to Bling: An Anglo-Saxon Surprise in Wiltshire In the ever-exciting world of metal detecting—where one might typically unearth a rusty nail or a long-lost bottle cap—Paul Gould struck gold, quite literally, during a rally in West Wiltshire. What started as a rather fruitless day turned into the discovery of a nationally significant Anglo-Saxon hoard, reminding us that beneath Britain’s green and pleasant land, history occasionally pops up with a cheeky grin. The rally, organised by the 9th Region Metal Detecting Group, had seen Gould, a relative newcomer to the hobby armed with his trusty Vanquish 540, trudging through a field with little to show for it. Towards the end of the day, his detector let out a promising beep, leading him to a flat metal object that, upon closer inspection, revealed itself as an intricately designed gold band from the 7th century AD. Not one to hog the glory, his detecting partner Chris Phillips, wielding a Manticore, soon unearthed the star of the show nearby: a stunning gold and garnet raven’s head. One can only imagine the pair’s wide-eyed astonishment—after all, it’s not every day your hobby yields artifacts fit for a museum rather than the recycling bin. Archaeologists have dated these treasures to the Anglo-Saxon period, around the 7th century, a time when ravens symbolized wisdom and warfare in Norse and Germanic mythology, adding a layer of intriguing symbolism to the find. The raven’s head, adorned with deep red garnets for eyes and beak, and the gold band with its elaborate patterns, are believed to be part of elite jewelry or perhaps a ceremonial object. This hoard is the first of its kind in the region, making it a bit like stumbling upon a Saxon version of buried treasure—minus the pirate map and parrot. Experts hail it as the “find of a lifetime,” underscoring the importance of responsible metal detecting in uncovering Britain’s hidden past. Gould himself described the moment as “unbelievable” and admitted to feeling a tad emotional, which is understandable; most of us get teary over finding a fiver in an old coat pocket. In an age of instant gratification and online shopping, the Wiltshire discovery serves as a delightful nudge that sometimes the best surprises come from good old-fashioned mud and persistence. Who knows—your next countryside stroll might just beep its way into the history books. Just remember to pack your wellies and a sense of wonder.

When Beeps Lead to Bling: An Anglo-Saxon Surprise in Wiltshire In the ever-exciting world of metal detecting—where one might typically unearth a rusty nail or a long-lost bottle cap—Paul Gould struck gold, quite literally, during a rally in West Wiltshire. What started as a rather fruitless day turned into the discovery of a nationally significant Anglo-Saxon hoard, reminding us that beneath Britain’s green and pleasant land, history occasionally pops up with a cheeky grin. The rally, organised by the 9th Region Metal Detecting Group, had seen Gould, a relative newcomer to the hobby armed with his trusty Vanquish 540, trudging through a field with little to show for it. Towards the end of the day, his detector let out a promising beep, leading him to a flat metal object that, upon closer inspection, revealed itself as an intricately designed gold band from the 7th century AD. Not one to hog the glory, his detecting partner Chris Phillips, wielding a Manticore, soon unearthed the star of the show nearby: a stunning gold and garnet raven’s head. One can only imagine the pair’s wide-eyed astonishment—after all, it’s not every day your hobby yields artifacts fit for a museum rather than the recycling bin. Archaeologists have dated these treasures to the Anglo-Saxon period, around the 7th century, a time when ravens symbolized wisdom and warfare in Norse and Germanic mythology, adding a layer of intriguing symbolism to the find. The raven’s head, adorned with deep red garnets for eyes and beak, and the gold band with its elaborate patterns, are believed to be part of elite jewelry or perhaps a ceremonial object. This hoard is the first of its kind in the region, making it a bit like stumbling upon a Saxon version of buried treasure—minus the pirate map and parrot. Experts hail it as the “find of a lifetime,” underscoring the importance of responsible metal detecting in uncovering Britain’s hidden past. Gould himself described the moment as “unbelievable” and admitted to feeling a tad emotional, which is understandable; most of us get teary over finding a fiver in an old coat pocket. In an age of instant gratification and online shopping, the Wiltshire discovery serves as a delightful nudge that sometimes the best surprises come from good old-fashioned mud and persistence. Who knows—your next countryside stroll might just beep its way into the history books. Just remember to pack your wellies and a sense of wonder.

Metal Detectives Group

452,094 views • 5 months ago

A Metal Detectorists day to remember. In October 2019, Yorkshire metal detectorist Paul Reynard and his mate Michael Gwynne were helping a local farmer search for a lost wedding ring in a field near Kinbane Castle, Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Instead, they unearthed a remarkable hoard of 84 silver coins. The coins date from 1551 to 1649 and consist mostly of English shillings and sixpences from the reigns of Edward VI through to Charles I. The standout piece is a rare Bavarian thaler dated 1625/6, in near-mint condition and featuring a seated image of the Virgin and Child – quite an unusual find in Ireland. Experts believe the hoard was buried for safekeeping during the turbulent wars in Ireland (1641–1652). Early media reports got rather carried away, calling the coins gold and guessing they were worth over £100,000, but they turned out to be silver. In June 2022 the collection was officially declared treasure at a coroner’s inquest. It has since been acquired by National Museums Northern Ireland and is now on permanent display at the Ulster Museum in Belfast. Paul Reynard described the moment as life-changing and was delighted that the historic coins would stay in Northern Ireland for everyone to see. The discovery remains one of the most significant post-medieval coin hoards from the region, offering a fascinating insight into 17th-century currency and conflict. #metaldetecting #metaldetectingfinds #treasure #history

A Metal Detectorists day to remember. In October 2019, Yorkshire metal detectorist Paul Reynard and his mate Michael Gwynne were helping a local farmer search for a lost wedding ring in a field near Kinbane Castle, Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Instead, they unearthed a remarkable hoard of 84 silver coins. The coins date from 1551 to 1649 and consist mostly of English shillings and sixpences from the reigns of Edward VI through to Charles I. The standout piece is a rare Bavarian thaler dated 1625/6, in near-mint condition and featuring a seated image of the Virgin and Child – quite an unusual find in Ireland. Experts believe the hoard was buried for safekeeping during the turbulent wars in Ireland (1641–1652). Early media reports got rather carried away, calling the coins gold and guessing they were worth over £100,000, but they turned out to be silver. In June 2022 the collection was officially declared treasure at a coroner’s inquest. It has since been acquired by National Museums Northern Ireland and is now on permanent display at the Ulster Museum in Belfast. Paul Reynard described the moment as life-changing and was delighted that the historic coins would stay in Northern Ireland for everyone to see. The discovery remains one of the most significant post-medieval coin hoards from the region, offering a fascinating insight into 17th-century currency and conflict. #metaldetecting #metaldetectingfinds #treasure #history

Metal Detectives Group

167,248 views • 4 months ago

The North Wales Mega-Hoard: 15,000 Roman Coins and One Very Paranoid Detectorist. The Day David Moss Broke Wales – Summer 2025 David Moss, 36-year-old lad from Cheshire who clearly sold his soul to the detecting gods at some point, is quietly swinging his coil over a perfectly ordinary field in north Wales. Normal day: a couple of Georgian coppers, a button that might be Roman if you squint, and the usual chorus of “why am I doing this again?” Then… BEEEEEEEEEEEEP. He digs down a bit and hits pottery. Another bit. More pottery. Then coins start pouring out like he’s accidentally opened a Roman vending machine. Two large clay pots, absolutely rammed with Roman silver denarii – somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000 of the little blighters, depending on whose calculator you trust. That’s not a hoard, that’s a bloody imperial payroll. Early estimates put the face value in Roman times at roughly 40–50 years’ wages for a legionary. In modern money? Still waiting on the official valuation, but let’s just say David’s local curry house is about to get some very generous tips. The coins span the second and early third centuries AD, from emperors like Vespasian and Hadrian right through to Septimius Severus and his missus Julia Domna. Mint condition on a lot of them too – some still have that fresh-from-Rome glow. The pots themselves are coarse-ware storage jars, typical of the period, buried about 40 cm down and miraculously missed by centuries of ploughing. The Three Nights of the Living Paranoid. David digs them up, realises he’s holding the biggest Roman coin hoard ever recorded in Wales (and probably one of the top five in the entire UK), and immediately enters what we in the trade call “full meltdown mode”. He’s convinced every twat within a 200-mile radius has suddenly developed X-ray vision and a burning desire for second-century silver. So what does he do? Loads both pots into his motor, drives home, and spends the next three nights sleeping in the driver’s seat with 15,000 irate Romans in the footwell. Apparently he only left the car to wee and to ring his mate going “Mate, I’ve done it, but I’m going to get murdered in my sleep.” Mate’s response, allegedly: “Stop ringing me at 3 a.m. you absolute lunatic.” On day four, still un-murdered but slightly smelly, he delivers the hoard in person to the Portable Antiquities Scheme finds liaison officer for Wales. FLO takes one look, goes white, and immediately rings every archaeologist in a 100-mile radius. The British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales are now jointly salivating over it. Current Status – As of December 2025 The hoard has been officially declared Treasure (no surprise there – you’d need a forklift to carry that lot). Full cleaning and recording is underway at the British Museum and National Museum Wales. Early counts are hovering around the 14,000–15,000 mark, which comfortably smashes the previous Welsh record from 1980s Powys area with a measly 3,300 coins – sorry Powys. Reward? Still to be valued by the Treasure Valuation Committee, but we’re talking life-changing money split between David and the landowner. David has already said he’ll keep detecting “because it’s the thrill, innit?” Mate, after sleeping rough with fifteen thousand Romans for three nights, you’ve earned the right to buy a slightly comfier car. Moral of the Story If you get the permission for a quiet little field in Wales, take it. And maybe invest in a roof-box with a decent lock. Or just do what David did and sleep with it. Right, I’m off to stare suspiciously at every field between Chester and Anglesey. If you see a grown man crying into a hole, that’ll be me realising I picked the wrong hobby. Happy hunting, you beautiful bunch of muddy dreamers. And David – mate – respect.

The North Wales Mega-Hoard: 15,000 Roman Coins and One Very Paranoid Detectorist. The Day David Moss Broke Wales – Summer 2025 David Moss, 36-year-old lad from Cheshire who clearly sold his soul to the detecting gods at some point, is quietly swinging his coil over a perfectly ordinary field in north Wales. Normal day: a couple of Georgian coppers, a button that might be Roman if you squint, and the usual chorus of “why am I doing this again?” Then… BEEEEEEEEEEEEP. He digs down a bit and hits pottery. Another bit. More pottery. Then coins start pouring out like he’s accidentally opened a Roman vending machine. Two large clay pots, absolutely rammed with Roman silver denarii – somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000 of the little blighters, depending on whose calculator you trust. That’s not a hoard, that’s a bloody imperial payroll. Early estimates put the face value in Roman times at roughly 40–50 years’ wages for a legionary. In modern money? Still waiting on the official valuation, but let’s just say David’s local curry house is about to get some very generous tips. The coins span the second and early third centuries AD, from emperors like Vespasian and Hadrian right through to Septimius Severus and his missus Julia Domna. Mint condition on a lot of them too – some still have that fresh-from-Rome glow. The pots themselves are coarse-ware storage jars, typical of the period, buried about 40 cm down and miraculously missed by centuries of ploughing. The Three Nights of the Living Paranoid. David digs them up, realises he’s holding the biggest Roman coin hoard ever recorded in Wales (and probably one of the top five in the entire UK), and immediately enters what we in the trade call “full meltdown mode”. He’s convinced every twat within a 200-mile radius has suddenly developed X-ray vision and a burning desire for second-century silver. So what does he do? Loads both pots into his motor, drives home, and spends the next three nights sleeping in the driver’s seat with 15,000 irate Romans in the footwell. Apparently he only left the car to wee and to ring his mate going “Mate, I’ve done it, but I’m going to get murdered in my sleep.” Mate’s response, allegedly: “Stop ringing me at 3 a.m. you absolute lunatic.” On day four, still un-murdered but slightly smelly, he delivers the hoard in person to the Portable Antiquities Scheme finds liaison officer for Wales. FLO takes one look, goes white, and immediately rings every archaeologist in a 100-mile radius. The British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales are now jointly salivating over it. Current Status – As of December 2025 The hoard has been officially declared Treasure (no surprise there – you’d need a forklift to carry that lot). Full cleaning and recording is underway at the British Museum and National Museum Wales. Early counts are hovering around the 14,000–15,000 mark, which comfortably smashes the previous Welsh record from 1980s Powys area with a measly 3,300 coins – sorry Powys. Reward? Still to be valued by the Treasure Valuation Committee, but we’re talking life-changing money split between David and the landowner. David has already said he’ll keep detecting “because it’s the thrill, innit?” Mate, after sleeping rough with fifteen thousand Romans for three nights, you’ve earned the right to buy a slightly comfier car. Moral of the Story If you get the permission for a quiet little field in Wales, take it. And maybe invest in a roof-box with a decent lock. Or just do what David did and sleep with it. Right, I’m off to stare suspiciously at every field between Chester and Anglesey. If you see a grown man crying into a hole, that’ll be me realising I picked the wrong hobby. Happy hunting, you beautiful bunch of muddy dreamers. And David – mate – respect.

Metal Detectives Group

105,348 views • 5 months ago

Young Adventurer’s Triumph: 13-Year-Old Lucas Discovers a Piece of Medieval History In a heartwarming tale of curiosity and perseverance, 13-year-old Lucas Cunliffe from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has captured the imagination of history enthusiasts everywhere by unearthing a rare 13th-century sword pommel during a family metal detecting outing. This remarkable find, made on February 9, 2025, in North Yorkshire, not only highlights the thrill of amateur archaeology but also connects a young boy to the epic stories of the past, inspiring others to explore the world around them. Lucas, a student at Woodham Academy, has been joining his father, Dave Cunliffe, on metal detecting adventures for the past five years. What started as a fun hobby turned into an unforgettable moment when Lucas’s detector picked up a strong signal on flat ground near a river in northern England. Digging about a foot down, he revealed the artifact—a highly decorated sword pommel, the knob at the end of a sword’s handle that serves as both decoration and counterweight. The pommel, believed to be over 700 years old, is inscribed with Medieval Latin translating to “Jesus, King of the Jews.” Experts like sword specialist Paul MacDonald have hailed it as exceptionally rare, noting it’s one of only seven known examples of its kind, with the others all found in Scotland and made of bronze. Intriguingly, the relic may be linked to the Scottish Wars of Independence (1296–1357), possibly belonging to a significant figure from the era of Robert the Bruce. This connection adds a layer of excitement, turning Lucas’s discovery into a bridge between modern-day adventure and medieval heroism. Dave, a 39-year-old proud father, shared the joy of the moment: “He got a strong signal on his machine and decided to dig. But it was about a foot down. When he showed us, it was obviously something special, but I don’t think any of us realised just how special.” He added, “He is so excited as we all are. I’m really chuffed for him.” The family has responsibly handed the pommel over to a finds liaison officer for evaluation by the British Museum and a coroner, with hopes it will one day be displayed in a museum bearing Lucas’s name as the finder. This uplifting story reminds us of the wonders waiting just beneath our feet and the power of family bonds in fostering a love for history. Lucas’s enthusiasm could spark a new generation of young explorers, proving that with a bit of curiosity and a metal detector, anyone can uncover treasures that enrich our understanding of the world. As Dave optimistically noted, the process might take years, but the pride in this achievement will last a lifetime. Massive thank you to Dave Cunliffe for all the images of Lucas and the pommel. And this information: It’s a medieval pommel 1300-1450. 26 sided polygon shape High status piece The Latin writing inscription read ‘Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews’ It’s one of 6-7 pommels similar and the 3rd of its type highly decorated but is the best known example ever found. All the others have been found on Scottish land only! #metaldetecting #treasure #history

Young Adventurer’s Triumph: 13-Year-Old Lucas Discovers a Piece of Medieval History In a heartwarming tale of curiosity and perseverance, 13-year-old Lucas Cunliffe from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has captured the imagination of history enthusiasts everywhere by unearthing a rare 13th-century sword pommel during a family metal detecting outing. This remarkable find, made on February 9, 2025, in North Yorkshire, not only highlights the thrill of amateur archaeology but also connects a young boy to the epic stories of the past, inspiring others to explore the world around them. Lucas, a student at Woodham Academy, has been joining his father, Dave Cunliffe, on metal detecting adventures for the past five years. What started as a fun hobby turned into an unforgettable moment when Lucas’s detector picked up a strong signal on flat ground near a river in northern England. Digging about a foot down, he revealed the artifact—a highly decorated sword pommel, the knob at the end of a sword’s handle that serves as both decoration and counterweight. The pommel, believed to be over 700 years old, is inscribed with Medieval Latin translating to “Jesus, King of the Jews.” Experts like sword specialist Paul MacDonald have hailed it as exceptionally rare, noting it’s one of only seven known examples of its kind, with the others all found in Scotland and made of bronze. Intriguingly, the relic may be linked to the Scottish Wars of Independence (1296–1357), possibly belonging to a significant figure from the era of Robert the Bruce. This connection adds a layer of excitement, turning Lucas’s discovery into a bridge between modern-day adventure and medieval heroism. Dave, a 39-year-old proud father, shared the joy of the moment: “He got a strong signal on his machine and decided to dig. But it was about a foot down. When he showed us, it was obviously something special, but I don’t think any of us realised just how special.” He added, “He is so excited as we all are. I’m really chuffed for him.” The family has responsibly handed the pommel over to a finds liaison officer for evaluation by the British Museum and a coroner, with hopes it will one day be displayed in a museum bearing Lucas’s name as the finder. This uplifting story reminds us of the wonders waiting just beneath our feet and the power of family bonds in fostering a love for history. Lucas’s enthusiasm could spark a new generation of young explorers, proving that with a bit of curiosity and a metal detector, anyone can uncover treasures that enrich our understanding of the world. As Dave optimistically noted, the process might take years, but the pride in this achievement will last a lifetime. Massive thank you to Dave Cunliffe for all the images of Lucas and the pommel. And this information: It’s a medieval pommel 1300-1450. 26 sided polygon shape High status piece The Latin writing inscription read ‘Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews’ It’s one of 6-7 pommels similar and the 3rd of its type highly decorated but is the best known example ever found. All the others have been found on Scottish land only! #metaldetecting #treasure #history

Metal Detectives Group

45,616 views • 4 months ago

James gets find of the day on the MDG dig.

James gets find of the day on the MDG dig.

Metal Detectives Group

37,829 views • 5 months ago

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