Detectorists spend considerable amounts of time and money in the pursuit of their hobby. They brave all kinds of weather conditions, and have been responsible for a series of marvelous finds in recent years. Metal detectorists are responsible for contributing a vast amount of knowledge and enhancing our local and national history for future generations to enjoy.
As detectorists we like to believe that we are custodians of our nations history, and as such we have a responsibility to add to that knowledge whenever and wherever possible.
It seems to me that it makes much more sense to find and record, as many items as possible so they can be preserved and cherished, before they rot in the earth, or become irrevocably damaged by the plough.
Modern detecting is becoming a sophisticated hobby. Many of the finds made, including the details of their locations are already helping the archaeological community to follow up on the initial findings we make, which often leads them to sites of potential significance.
Sadly there is a small element on the fringes of the hobby that has done harm to the image of the metal detecting community. That being said, thankfully this type of illegal detecting is in the minority.
Amateur metal detecting is in my opinion a force for good. It allows people to get out and explore our beautiful historical landscape. It also allows people to immerse themselves in our past in a meaningful way.
Below is a list of some of the more notable items uncovered by UK detectorists.
The Ringlemere Gold Cup
Discovered near Ramsgate in Kent, in 2001 by a retired electrician Cliff Bradshaw, the gold cup was valued at £250,000 at that time. It was thought to have been buried for approximately 3,600 years.
The Hoxne Hoard
The largest cache of Roman gold and silver coins (15,000 in total) ever discovered on British soil also included rings, chains and bracelets, buried in the early 5th century. Eric Lawes, a retired gardener, received a £1.75m reward for the 1992 find.
Viking Cemetery
Detectorist Peter Adams found two copper brooches in Cumbria in 2004 which led archaeologists to the bodies of four men and two women dating from the 10th century, alongside weapons, spurs, jewellery and a drinking horn. On its discovery, it was hailed as England's only known Viking burial ground.
The Winchester Hoard
A kilo of delicately crafted gold brooches and necklaces thought to date from the first century BC was discovered near Winchester in 2000 by retired florist Kevan Halls. It earned him and the landowner £350,000.
Viking Silver
A twisted silver rod, 21 bracelets and a single heavy silver ingot was found in the remains of an old lead box by Steve Reynoldson in a field in Cheshire. He and the landowner shared a £28,000 reward.
Gold Sword Hilt With Garnets
Last month, the British Museum acquired a 7th-century gold sword hilt with a pommel studded with large garnets after a metal detectorist took it wrapped in kitchen roll paper to his local finds liaison officer.
The detectorist is expected to share the £125,000 reward with the landowner.
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