Record Your Metal Detecting Finds

 The Portable Antiquities Scheme's – What to record and How ?

1. First go to Photo Ruler Download

2. Print it and use to take clear Photographs of Coins and Artefacts.

3. Find on https://gridreferencefinder.com/  location of your find with uk grid reference finder  

EXAMPLE -  Grid Reference (6 figure)

ST573318

4. Who is FLO - Finds Liaison Officer

The museum staff can identify archaeological remains and we have a Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) who visits the museum to identify and record objects, including any that do not come from archaeological excavations. The Finds Liaison Officer works with museums to conserve local history.

5. Email your local FLO - With Photos and Grid Referance 

Somerset FLO

Laura Beckwith

Finds Liaison Officer - Somerset

Somerset Heritage Centre,Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6SF

Work T: 01823 347457

E: somerset.finds@swheritage.org.uk

Link : https://finds.org.uk/contacts/staff/profile/id/261

Devon FLO 

Brittany Walsh 

Finds Liaison Officer - Devon

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery,Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3RX

Work T: 01823 347426

E: devon.finds@swheritage.org.uk

Link: https://finds.org.uk/contacts/staff/profile/id/260

Dorset FLO

Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen

Dorset Council, Dorset History Centre,Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RP

Work T: 01305 228254

Fax: 01305 224835

E: finds@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Link : https://finds.org.uk/contacts/staff/profile/id/67

Cornwall FLO

Laura Miucci

Finds Liaison Officer - Cornwall

Museum of Cornish Life,Market Place, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 8TH

Work T: 01326 564027

E: finds@museumofcornishlife.co.uk

Link: https://finds.org.uk/contacts/staff/profile/id/262

Gloucestershire & Avon FLO

Kurt Adams

Finds Liaison Officer - Gloucestershire & Avon

Bristol City Museum,Queens Road, Bristol, Gloucestershire, BS8 1RL

Work T: 0117 922 2613

E: kurt.adams@bristol.gov.uk

Link: https://finds.org.uk/contacts/staff/profile/id/54

Head of Scheme and Treasure

Michael Lewis

Department of Learning and National Partnerships, The British Museum,Great Russell Street, London, Greater London, WC1B 3DG

Work T: +44 (0)207 323 8611

Fax: 0207 323 8611

E: mlewis@britishmuseum.org

Link : https://finds.org.uk/contacts/staff/profile/id/2

6. Treasure

The Treasure Act defines treasure as an object that is at least 10% by weight of precious metal (that is, gold or silver) and over 300 years old. In the case of coins, the find needs to consist of two or more coins. Additionally, any object found in the same place as an item of treasure would be considered to be treasure.

The Treasure Act 1996 requires a finder of an item of treasure to notify the coroner within 14 days of the find. The best way to do this is to report the find to your local FLO.

7. Reporting all archaeological objects

The guidance to the Treasure Act says that “The intention of the Portable Antiquities Scheme… is to record, for public benefit, all archaeological objects found by members of the public. All responsible finders should report their archaeological finds to their local finds liaison officer, although this is a voluntary scheme and there is no compulsion to report non-treasure items.”

Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting