Portable Antiquities Scheme

The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a voluntary scheme to record archaeological objects found by members of the public. Every year thousands of objects of archaeological interest are found mostly by metal detector users, although many are also discovered by people engaged in daily activities such as gardening or walking. The Portable Antiquities Scheme was set up in 1997 to promote the recording of archaeological objects and to broaden awareness of what finds can tell us about the past.

Metal Detectors

Why are Antiquities Important?

Portable antiquities are an invaluable resource, and reveal important information about the past. By reporting your finds you will be making an important contribution to knowledge and understanding about the past, both locally and nationally. The national Portable Antiquities Scheme provides a system for the voluntary recording of these objects to ensure that this valuable information is not lost.

The Aims of the Portable Antiquities Scheme

To advance knowledge of the history and archaeology of England and Wales by systematically recording archaeological objects found by the public.
To raise awareness among the public of the educational value of archaeological finds in their context and facilitate research in them.
To increase opportunities for active public involvement in archaeology and strength links between metal-detector users and archaeologists.
To encourage all those who find archaeological objects to make them available for recording and to promote best practice by finders.

Finds Liaison Officers (FLO)

Finds Liaison Officers have been employed through the scheme to liaise with metal detecting societies and individuals to record their finds and strengthen links between detectorists and archaeologists. As part of the scheme the Finds Liaison Officer can offer:

Finds identification and recording.
Advice on storage and conservation.
Advice on the Treasure Act and help for finders of potential Treasure.

The North-East Finds Liaison Officer is Robert Collins whose area includes County Durham, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Cleveland. However, if you have found an archaeological object anywhere else in England, he will identify and record it for you.

The Finds Liaison Officer regularly visits metal detecting clubs throughout the North East to give talks and identify finds. However, if you are not a member of a metal detecting club or would prefer them to look at your finds outside club meetings, he is usually available at the archaeology section on Fridays at the following address:
Adult and Community Services
Libraries, Learning and Culture
The Rivergreen Centre
Aykley Heads
Durham
DH1 5TS
He can be also be contacted via email at: Archaeology.

or in Newcastle on Monday - Thursday at:
Museum of Antiquities
Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU
0191 2227846/7849

You can also find out more information on the Portable Antiquities Scheme webpage.

Treasure

Some of the objects that are brought to us fall within the Treasure Act, which provides museums with the opportunity to acquire finds made of gold or silver, or hoards of coins or prehistoric tools. All finders of treasure have a legal obligation to report such items under the Treasure Act 1996. Now prehistoric base-metal assemblages found after 1 January 2003 also qualify as treasure. Your local Finds Liaison Officer will be happy to help you deal with the paperwork and explain the treasure process to you.

Additional Information about the Portable Antiquities Scheme

How are these finds recorded?

All of the artefacts that we record are placed on a national database where the general public can view an edited version of the records. You can view the objects online at Portable Antiquities Scheme.

What types of archaeological finds would you like to record?

We would like to known about everything that you have found - not just metal objects. We record all objects made before about 1700 and are selective in recording more modern finds. It is often best to let a Finds Liaison Officer see all your finds, especially if you are unsure what they are.

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 detailed description, its weight and measurements. We would also hope to record where and how they were found, and photograph or draw you finds. If you wish you can have a full report of the information we record.

How long will it take?

Generally the Finds Liaison Officers prefer to borrow the finds for a time, so they can research and record them properly. You will be issued with a receipt, whilst they are in our care.

Will my finds be taken away from me?

No. We only want to record information about your finds. Museums may sometime be glad to have the opportunity to acquire you non-treasure finds, but this could only happen if you and the landowner agree.

Links to other Archaeology Pages

You can also find out more about who the Archaeology Section are.