Hassall Lock Rally

Posted by ricey on February 24, 2007 2:35 PM

It's on Sunday the 25th. of Feb.I think it's a 9am start.
It's in a place called Hassall, near Sandbach.

The only info I have is that you come off the M6 at Jc. 17 and head for a village called Wheel Lock. £5 per detector

'As usual I am just the messenger not the organiser'

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Treasure find by dad and son

Posted by ricey on February 24, 2007 11:47 AM

TWO 14th century coins found in a field have been declared treasure trove.

Ron Blair, 60, of Windermere Avenue, Clitheroe, and son James, 37, of Nelson Street, found 30 medieval coins on a metal detecting expedition near Clitheroe last August.

The final two coins from the find were ruled on by an inquest in Blackburn and are being kept at the British Museum, London.

Due to the nature of the coins and their quantity, they have been classified "treasure trove" and must be valued before being offered for sale to museums Among the coins were pennies, halfpennies, groats and half groats from the time of Edward I and Edward II, Henry V and Henry VI.

More Info

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Gladiators 'fought in Cheshire'

Posted by ricey on February 17, 2007 12:55 PM

Gladiatorial games, the bloodiest of ancient Rome's traditions, were probably held in the heart of genteel Cheshire, archaeologists say.
Experts have unearthed evidence in the remains of Chester Amphitheatre which suggests gladiators appeared there.

It was previously thought the arena was only used for ceremonial activities.

Full Story

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Fourteenth century pocket calculator found in Canterbury

Posted by ricey on February 15, 2007 4:19 PM

One of the world’s most significant archaeological discoveries of a scientific instrument is to be sold by Bonhams on 21 March 2007 in Knightsbridge, London.

The incredibly rare 700 year-old quadrant was the pocket calculator of the 14th century and a lot more besides.

A Canterbury Tale…

In 2005, during excavations for the extension of a fusion restaurant in Canterbury, an unusual discovery was made. A scientific instrument known in the middle ages as the ‘quadrans novus’ – today, often labelled as the ‘astrolabe quadrant’ - was found on a site known as the ‘House of Agnes’, a 17th century inn on the main road to London, just beyond the Westgate of the city. There it lay beneath a series of clay floors, inside a sealed soil deposit dated to circa 1375-1425.

Now, two years on, the astrolabe quadrant – used for telling the time and making astrological and mathematical calculations, such as, measuring the height of buildings and trees or the depth of a well – has been dated to circa 1388 – one year after Geoffrey Chaucer started to write The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer was familiar with the function of a quadrant, writing a ‘Treatise on the Astrolabe’ in 1391.

This quadrant is one of only eight examples known in the world. It was made in England and is one of the oldest and smallest in existence.

Ellie Dekker, a leading scholar on the subject of astrolabe quadrants, comments: “Finding a complete scientific instrument during archaeological work is very rare, but finding an instrument that was used only by scholars well versed in the secrets of the sky is exciting.”

Jon Baddeley, Bonhams’ director of scientific instruments, adds: “This is an extraordinary object, which would have been owned by an educated clerical scholar. He would have needed a good understanding of the rudiments of astronomy and of mathematics, so the owner must be counted among the small circle of scientifically educated scholars in 14th century England. The small pocket-sized instrument suggests it was used by a traveller.”

The brass quadrant has two sight vanes on one edge and there is a suspension with a hole for a silken cord with a bead (now lacking) on the front of the instrument.

On its back two concentric circles with calendar data can be seen, with an eagle – its wings spread - sitting in the centre of the rings.

Once upon a time, the bird - known for its ability to directly look at the sun - would have been able revolve. Its tail, feet and wing tips would have moved over the various scales, making it easy to calculate the date of the Easter Moon. The instrument could also tell the time of day (during sunlight hours), the length of day and night, and the height and depth of structures and objects.

Without doubt the quadrant is one of the greatest scientific instrument discoveries in the world. It is in remarkable condition for its age and it has impeccable provenance. Nothing like it has been seen at auction before.

The astrolabe quadrant is expected to fetch £60,000-100,000.

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Coind found at Diss. Norfolk

Posted by ricey on February 15, 2007 8:45 AM

Coind found at Diss. Norfolk

As I have mentioned on this blog many times previous, as much time goes into (or should do) in research as much time as you spend Metal Detecting. There is nothing better on these cold winter nights in getting a book or some old maps out and doing your research. Some of my best finds have come after researching old farms etc. This might be in locating an Old Roman Road or a lane with a strange name. Many of these names were named after events or to mark locations going back hundreds of years.

I often find myself studying old archaeological reports to get a feeling for an area. In these reports you often hear of large hoard finds. One I came across recently I've copied below. This dates back to the middle of the 1800's.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coins Found at Diss
Communicated by the Rev C.R.Manning MA (Hon Secretary)

In the early part of the year 1871 some considerable alterations were made to a house situated in Mount Street, Diss, at about 100 yards North of the Church, since occupied by B Button Esq.
The workmen employed by Mr C Bishop, Builder, were removing the brick flooring of one of the ground-rooms and excavating the soil beneath in order to insert the joists of a boarded floor, when they discovered the coin of hoards, which is the subject of this notice. The house itself is a brick one, of no great antiquity, having probably been rebuilt within the last 200 years; but no doubt it occupies the site of an older one, probably of a timber house of the same date and class as some others yet remaining in the town of Diss. - as Mr Leathers', corn-merchant, St Nicholas Street and Mr Abbotts' bookseller, Mere Street, houses of the 15th Century. Beneath the bricks they came upon the original hard clay floor, and in the centre of the room, at about 18 inches from the surface, the remains of an earthen vessel were found, containing coins to the number of more than three hundred. On Mr Bishop being informed of the discovery he obtained possession of most of them, and has kindly allowed me to catalogue them. I have seen a few more that passed into the possession of other persons in the town, and on the whole the list is a tolerably complete one. There are no coins earlier than the reign of Henry IV., and possibly none as early, nor any later than that of Edward IV. It was just about the time the church of Diss. must have gone extensive alterations by the rebuilding of the aisles, side chapels and chancel, probably by Philippa widow of Robert Fitz Walter (and secondly by Edward Plantagenet, Duke of York) who held the manor in the dower, 1415-31; and as some substantial houses were also then erected in the town, it must have been a time of some activity in the place. For what reason this money was concealed it is, of course, impossible to say. It was safely stowed away beneath the floor, till those who could have revealed it passed away, and there it has remained while generations have lived and died above its hiding place, all unconscious of its story for four hundred years. It will be seen that, with the exception of 2 fine gold nobles, all the coins are silver. None appear to be particularly rare, but the varieties are rather numerous, and having been evidently all deposited at the same time, and belonging to a limited range of years, it has been thought desirable that our society should preserve a list of them.

The gold coins and the groats are mostly in very good preservation; but the pennies appear to have been much morein circulation, and are all more or less defaced. The description of some of these may, therefore, be incomplete, in consequence of their obliteration.

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Coin shows Cleopatra's ugly truth

Posted by ricey on February 14, 2007 8:57 AM

Antony and Cleopatra, one of history's most romantic couples, were not the great beauties that Hollywood would have us believe, academics have said.
A study of a 2,000-year-old silver coin found the Egyptian queen, famously portrayed by Elizabeth Taylor, had a pointed chin, thin lips and sharp nose.

Her Roman lover, played by Richard Burton, had bulging eyes, thick neck and a hook nose.

Full Story

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Our Club Library is going fast.........

Posted by ricey on February 12, 2007 11:17 PM

For many years out of our near 30 year history as a Metal Detecting Club we have had a club library. Over the years we have amassed a number of books. However as of late it has become more and more difficult getting these books out of a club night - and trying to get lent copies back (a similar issue had by many libraries country wide). It was decided to dismantle the library and sell them on ebay. It is actually very surprising when you see the value of some of these books going back to the 1800's. One book alone I saw advertised in a book dealers for close on £100. I guess the club treasurer will be happy to see our club coffers swell again. At the same time it is sad to see them go.

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Cold Weather and Metal Detal Detecting

Posted by ricey on February 12, 2007 11:11 PM

I've had a few emails over the last few days, since the snow came, from individuals who had lost items and needed help recovering them.

One was from avery distraught mum, who's daughter had lost her engagement ring whilst trying to push her vehicle out of the snow. Within minutes our Secretary was down to their house ready to come to her aid. Fortunately the ring had been found about 10 minutes previous to his arrival, eyes only, but all's well that ends well.

Another is from a company who lost a pert from one of their vehicles. Again we are only too willing to help and are making arrangements.

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Love Tokens

Posted by ricey on February 11, 2007 9:23 AM

Many of you may have read my articles on love tokens. Well recently I came across another love token. This was found by a fellow detectorist and not of the common types you normally find.

Here is an article of other love tokens found.
Here

The one below however is quite unique and has been recorded with the museum. There is also an identidfication from the Finds Liason Officer.

This is an unusual love toke in that it is formed from a copper alloy jetton(a token used during accounting) It was made in nuremberg by conrad lauffer betwen 1660-1668.

The jetton is a show jetton a well crafted product in comparison to the thinner,poorer quality common nuremberg jettons, produced to showcase the makers talents.

It is based on the coinage of Charles 11 and shows the reverse of four shields of England,scotland and irland as usually seen on silver sixpences of the period
It may once have been tin washed giving it a silvery apperance which may be why it was used as a love token as these are normally formed from gold or silver coins.

Thanks to c scope skid for allowing me to share this with you.

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Marbury Ralley 11 FEB 2007

Posted by ricey on February 10, 2007 9:48 AM

Marbury Ralley 11 FEB2007
9.30 start 5.00 fee
as always FILL in your holes

Turn RIGHT (South) onto Local road(s) 0.1 mi
Bear LEFT (South-East) onto Local road(s) 0.7 mi
Bear RIGHT (South) onto Local road(s) 21 yds
Bear RIGHT (South) onto Local road(s) 0.6 mi
Continue (East) on Wirswall Road 0.4 mi
Bear LEFT at SWANN INN (East) onto Wrenbury rd 0.2 mi RALLEY SIGNS FROM HERE

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What an unusual find!!!

Posted by ricey on February 10, 2007 9:04 AM

Last month I was a member of the club who is always out metal detectings. He finds some really great stuff too. He had found a coin which was damaged and in two pieces - usually milled coins are very strong and don't break easily. Here is acopy of the coin

This coin is was identified as a gunmoney crown issued about May - July 1690 in Dublin and possibly until August or September 1690 in Limerick (source http://www.irishcoinage.com/GUNMONEY.HTM)

It also states that gunmoney crown proofs or trials occur in a variety of metals including gold, silver and tin. Obviously explaining why this particular coin became so brittle - it wasn't gold or silver :-)

Here is another image of a half crown. They really were great coins.

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February's Meeting

Posted by ricey on February 10, 2007 8:48 AM

What a great meeting - or so I'm told. Unfortunately I could actually make it this month but we did have a guest speaker from Norton Priory, Buffet and also our normal competitions. Add to this we also held our annual competitions. The idea of the annual competitions is to find the best find and coin of 2006.

Here are the results of the Monthly Competition and also Annual Competition.

Pre-1662 Coin of the Month

Eliz I three half pence 3 points
Edward IV Penny 5 points
James I Half Groat 10 points
Henry IV Penny 1 point

Post-1662 Coin of the Month

THree Half Pence 10 points
William III Sixpence 5 points
1853 Gothic Florin 3 points
George III Halfpenny 1 point

Pre-1700 Artefact of the Month

2nd\3rdC Knee Brooch 10 points
English medieval jetton 3 points
Medieval buckle 1 point
Roman Lead Dice 5 points
14thC Buckle 1 point

Post-1700 Artefact of the Month

Victorian Horse Brass 1 point
London Livery Button 1 point
Silver Thimble 10 points
9ct gold ring 1 point
9ct gold bar 3 points
Crotal Bell 5 points
1700's Jaws Harp 1 point

Also the annual comp.

Early Coin

Greek Imperial Tetradrachm

Late Coin

Gold Sovereign

Early Find

2ndC Roman Equal-Ended Brooch

Late Find

Ornate Pipe Tamper

I'll try and get some photos. Regards Steve

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Metal Detectorist finds Britains oldest earings!!!

Posted by ricey on February 6, 2007 2:46 PM

A metal detecting enthusiast is thought to have unearthed Britain's most ancient fashion accessory – a 4,500-year-old pair of gold earrings.

John Caluori found the 3cm-wide discs in a field near the village of Gilmorton, Leicestershire.

The British Museum is now analysing the find but an inquest has declared the earrings treasure trove, which means Mr Caluori, a 64-year-old tenant farmer, will be entitled to the proceeds from their sale.

Full Story

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Ancient ruins unearthed by road building

Posted by ricey on February 2, 2007 6:30 PM

Work on the A66 in North Yorkshire has unearthed some important Iron Age and Roman sites and artefacts.

Roman and Iron Age ruins have been discovered during work for one of the Highways Agency's major road schemes.

A decision to dual the A66 from Carkin Moor to Scotch Corner and Greta Bridge to Stephen Bank in North Yorkshire has unearthed five or six round houses, paddocks and fields where two Roman roads used to meet, now the junction of the present day A66 and the A1.

Finds are being handed to a local museum and features uncovered during excavations include a circular house, square structures, pits and field ditches, possible associated with a larger settlement near Rock Castle Farm on the other side of the A66.

Full article

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TREASURES ON SHOW

Posted by ricey on February 2, 2007 6:26 PM

THE SPOILS of 30 years' metal detecting in the Island will be on display in a special exhibition at the House of Manannan in Peel.
The display in the museum foyer is free of charge and features a range of rare artefacts found by amateur collectors.

Allison Fox, curator of archaeology for Manx National Heritage, said: 'This is a great opportunity to see some of the items that have emerged from the soil or sand through metal detecting over the past 30 years.

'There are items illustrating the major time periods in the Island, not just metal objects but other things unearthed at the same time, so there is a real range of things lurking under the ground

Full Article

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An Open Invitation

Posted by ricey on February 1, 2007 8:12 AM

Next week sees the South Lancs and Cheshire MDC's first speaker of 2007. The speaker will be from Norton Priory Museum in Runcorn, Cheshire were the club will be told about Norton Priories history. This will include a presenation and power point presentation. There will also be a small buffet. This is an open invitation to anybody with an interest in local history to attend.

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Roadworks uncover Roman village

Posted by ricey on February 1, 2007 8:07 AM

DWELLINGS dating back to the Iron Age and Roman eras have been uncovered during work on a major road improvement scheme in the region.

The half-dozen round houses, including paddocks and fields, were uncovered along the A66 during work to create a dual carriageway.

The scheme is focused on the stretch between Carkin Moor and Scotch Corner and Greta Bridge to Stephen Bank.

Advertisement continued...And it was while excavations were being carried out at Scotch Corner, near the junction of two Roman roads, that the discoveries were made.

Highways Agency project manager Lynne Biddles said: "It's fantastic weve been able to uncover all these settlements and artefacts ahead of these dualling schemes. We can now piece together the history of this area and preserve it for the wider community to enjoy."

Full Story

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