Recent discoveries by amateur metal detectorists, including two Roman swords in Gloucestershire and a gold necklace linked to Henry VIII, highlight the positive contributions of hobbyists to archaeology. While tensions sometimes exist between detectorists and experts, increasing collaboration and public interest, fueled by factors like the pandemic and the TV show 'Detectorists,' are unearthing significant historical artifacts.
The Guardian view on metal detecting: hobbyists as well as experts can play a part in unearthing the past
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Recent discoveries by amateur metal detectorists, including two Roman swords in Gloucestershire and a gold necklace linked to Henry VIII, highlight the positive contributions of hobbyists to archaeology. While tensions sometimes exist between detectorists and experts, increasing collaboration and public interest, fueled by factors like the pandemic and the TV show 'Detectorists,' are unearthing significant historical artifacts.
- 1 Second or third century AD: Roman swords potentially hidden
- 2 2014: BBC comedy 'Detectorists' began
- 3 2018-2019: 200 permits sought from Port of London Authority for mudlarking
- 4 2019: Two men jailed for illegal sale of Leominster hoard
- 5 Three years later (approx. 2021-2022): Mudlarking permits rose to 5,000
- 6 2022: 'Detectorists' returned for a Christmas special
- 7 Last week: 'Secrets of the Thames' exhibition opened at the London Museum
- 8 Recently: Glenn Manning found Roman swords
- Enrichment of museum collections with new historical artifacts
- Increased public engagement with archaeology and history
- Ongoing debate about the legal framework for metal detecting and artifact ownership
- Damage to archaeological sites by irresponsible detectorists
- Illegal sale of historical artifacts
What: Amateur metal detectorists are making significant archaeological finds, leading to increased collaboration with experts and public interest in unearthing the past. This includes the discovery of two Roman swords and a gold necklace linked to Henry VIII.
When: Recent finds, with the Roman swords discovered recently. The TV show 'Detectorists' ran for three series starting in 2014 and returned for a Christmas special in 2022. Mudlarking permits rose from 200 in 2018-19 to 5,000 three years later. The 'Secrets of the Thames' exhibition opened last week.
Where: United Kingdom, specifically Gloucestershire, Cirencester, Shropshire Hills, Essex farmland, Thames, and London.
Why: Increased popularity of metal detecting is attributed to the pandemic (new leisure activity) and the BBC comedy 'Detectorists.' The finds contribute to historical knowledge and museum collections.
How: Hobbyists use metal detectors to find artifacts. Collaboration occurs when amateur detectorists, like Glenn Manning, volunteer on digs led by experts. The Portable Antiquities Scheme facilitates reporting finds.