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The Portable Antiquities
Scheme: Frequently Asked Questions
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What type of information about my finds do you want?We would like to record details of the objects that you have found, including a description, weight and measurements. We would also hope to record where and how they were found, including how the land is used; for example a ploughed field or in a garden. We may also wish to photograph or draw your finds.
Do I need permission before I start searching with my metal-detector?Yes. Always obtain permission from the landowner before using a metal detector. This includes land which is public ally accessible, such as beaches, footpaths, or council-owned land.
What advice do you have for metal detector users?The Portable Antiquities Scheme encourages metal detector users to act responsibly and take the opportunity to record finds discovered so they may add to our knowledge of our past. Finders contributing to the scheme will be fully acknowledged. If you are using a metal detector, finds can be recovered from the ploughed surface of a field without disturbing any archaeological layers that there might be below. However, recovering objects from below the plough soil will cause damage to archaeology and should be avoided. On land that is not ploughed archaeological layers can be much closer to the surface and so much more vulnerable to damage. Make a note of the findspot, either using a map or GPS system. All finds are evidence of human occupation, and can help us understand more about a particular area or object type. As more and more finds are recorded we will begin to be able to trace patterns in the way they are distributed and these will provide vital clues to the activities of our ancestors. In this way we can together solve some of the problems of the past. If you find anything really exciting, fragile or complex its worth consulting the Finds Liaison Officer to see if an archaeologist can help you dig it out. Archaeologists can lift fragile objects and, most importantly, are able to record the context in which the find was made.
How can I clean my finds?Metal objects should be kept dry. At most gently remove loose soil from the find. With objects such as coins, do not try to remove corrosion and never polish or apply abrasives. Do not dip metal objects in lemon juice or vinegar as this can destroy the whole object. If you apply oil this can attract grit and is more difficult to remove. Some pottery and flint can be cleaned by being gently washed in water. Inexperienced cleaning can reduce both the archaeological and the commercial value of finds. Your Finds Liaison Officer can offer basic advice and can put you in touch with experts who can provide more specialist advice if necessary. A useful publication is A Guide to Conservation for Metal Detectorists, edited by Richard Hobbs (2002) published by Tempus.
Are you only interested in seeing finds made by metal detector users?Not at all. We would like to see archaeological objects found by anyone.
Other questions?If you have any other queries about the scheme or you want to record finds, contact the Finds Liaison Officer, Angie Bolton at: The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU Telephone 01905 361827 E-mail abolton@cityofworcester.gov.uk
How can I Contact the Finds Liaison Officer?Please make an appointment to see Angie, she is not always at the Commandery. If the Commandery is difficult for you to get to, you can meet her at your local museum or library. |
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Portable Antiquities Scheme
- Worcester
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Aims & Objectives |
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Treasure Act 1996 |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Contact & Links |
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Worcester Sites & Monuments Record |
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The Museum's
Archaeology Collection |