The portable antiquities scheme is a voluntary recording scheme for archaeological objects that are found by members of the public.
Every year, many thousands of objects are discovered. Many of these are found by metal detector users, but others are chanced upon by people while at work, gardening, or out walking.
Archaeology is a limited resource. It is important to record these finds and their locations before the information is lost.
In 1997, North Lincolnshire Museum was chosen to be part of a pilot scheme for finds recording. It was very successful, and the national scheme is now well established, with 16 finds liaison officers working throughout England.
Since the scheme was established at North Lincolnshire Museum, it has recorded over 6,000 finds, made by over 400 individuals. The huge amount of new information is helping to illuminate some dark corners of our history.
The North Lincolnshire scheme is a great success, and is providing new insights into the history of the area. A particular success has been the discovery of a lot of Anglo-Saxon and Viking material, which is providing new insights into this period. We have also dealt with a collection of more than 12,000 objects from a single parish. This gives us, for the first time, a true sample of the wealth and activities of a village through the ages.
North Lincolnshire's finds liaison officer is available to record your finds, whether it be a single item or a small collection. Perhaps you have had a few things in the 'scrap box' for a few years that you think may be interesting. If so, bring them in!
The finds liaison officer will:
- Book in the finds and give you a receipt
- Give you a realistic estimate of how long it will take her to record the finds
- Identify them using personal knowledge, the museum's reference book collection, and advice from the collections manager
- Photograph the finds
- Enter details onto the portable antiquities database
- Arrange for the return of the find.
In addition to the normal opening hours, we have a special Fab finds day on the last Saturday in every month. Anyone can bring their finds to this session for an opinion.
The portable antiquities scheme is also providing information and advice to landowners about metal detecting and related issues. For more information visit the portable antiquities scheme website.
If you would like more information please contact the finds liaison officer, on 01724 843533 or email: martin.foreman@northlincs.gov.uk.