Britain's landscape is full of archaeological sites. Many of them are not obvious, consisting of buried features like infilled ditches and pits, structural remains such as walls, floors, or wells, or simply patterns of debris. Together, such traces contribute historical knowledge about where and how people lived, ceremony, worship, technology, agriculture and social structure.
All archaeological discoveries have some potential to add to knowledge. For this to happen, however, finds must be reported and recorded so that the information they offer can be shared.
If you wish to metal-detect on land which is not your own, you must get permission from the landowner beforehand. If you metal-detect on land without consent, you may be charged with a criminal offence and you could be sued for damages.
Some archaeological sites are protected by law. These are called Scheduled Ancient Monuments. It is an offence to use a metal detector on a Scheduled site without the written agreement of the Secretary of State.
It is a separate offence to remove any archaeological object from a scheduled site by the use of a metal detector. The same restrictions apply to land within zones which have been designated as Areas of Archaeological Importance. (In England these are all areas of historic towns: York, Hereford, Chester, Exeter, Canterbury.) In Scotland, the Crown prerogative of bona vacantia requires that all archaeological finds be reported.
Some local authorities have bye-laws which prohibit metal detecting on their land.
A landowner should warn you about Scheduled sites on his or her land, but don't assume that this information will always be given. To be on the safe side, contact either English Heritage (which is responsible for advising the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on Scheduling) or (in Wales) Cadw. Your local authority archaeological service will also have a list of Scheduled monuments. Details of bye-laws should be available from your local authority.
The Treasure Act 1996 requires the reporting of certain categories of find, described in a leaflet issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Further information will be found in the Treasure Act Code of Practice, which is available from the Department (020 7211 6200). Separate versions of the Code are available in Northern Ireland and Wales. A Welsh language version is available either from DCMS or the Welsh Office.
Usually yes, provided you have permission and are responsible.
Being responsible is to:
Bear in mind that digging for objects can destroy archaeological evidence. There is no standard formula for assessing this. In some parts of the country, for instance, topsoils are thin, and archaeological remains may be close to the surface. If you suspect that an object is undisturbed in its primary context (eg in a container, or below the ploughsoil) leave it where it is and call for archaeological assistance.
Yes - provided you record the position of your finds, and report them to an appropriate archaeological body or museum. If possible, give a grid reference. A six figure reference is OK; an eight figure reference is better.
Even objects apparently adrift in ploughsoil have an archaeological setting. A horizontal context is likely to remain even if the original stratified vertical context has been disturbed. Of course, some items will be casual losses, but these too can say something. Many other items will come from archaeological sites (eg settlements, cemeteries, buildings) remains of which may survive under the ploughsoil or nearby. The cumulative plotting of individual finds can build up into historical patterns. This is why even a single find can add to existing knowledge.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is currently supporting a number of pilot schemes in different parts of the country to encourage voluntary reporting of archaeological finds. The Department will be glad to give you more details or you can view the portable antiquities scheme web site which includes contact details for regional finds liaison officers.
You have a difficulty. The landowner is within his rights - unless the finds are treasure, in which case you have no choice. However, the CBA's advice would be not to detect at all on land belonging to someone who wishes to withhold information about finds. If you are not in a position to report finds it is best not to seek them.
No. Many archaeologists recognise that the hobby can make a useful and in some respects invaluable contribution if it is practised responsibly. Of course, there are some who remain wary, but there is no general campaign against the hobby. But the climate of opinion these days favours co-operation.
Our policy centres not on the metal detector itself but on the concept behind its use. If the motive is to add to knowledge, then we welcome it. If the purpose is simply to look for treasure for personal gain or to amass a private collection without reporting, then we think that is wrong.
English Heritage
23 Savile Row
London
W1X 1AB
web: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk
Cadw
Crown Buildings
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF1 3NQ
web: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Historic Scotland
Longmore House
Salisbury Place
Edinburgh
EH9 1SH
web: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
DCMS
2-4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5DH
web: http://www.culture.gov.uk
Factsheet content last revised January 2001
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Today's date: 5/7/2008
This page last updated:
3/2/2003 17:28
