{"id":8954,"date":"2026-06-30T13:56:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T12:56:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/law-news\/?p=8954"},"modified":"2026-06-30T18:47:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T17:47:25","slug":"excavating-kents-past-from-discovery-to-understanding-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/law-news\/excavating-kents-past-from-discovery-to-understanding-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Excavating Kent\u2019s past: from discovery to understanding"},"content":{"rendered":"

A roundtable organised by the Centre for Heritage<\/a> on Thursday 11 June 2026 explored how metal detecting has evolved over the past 40 years from a marginal or controversial pursuit into a valuable contributor to archaeological knowledge, when carried out responsibly. What was once seen as a hobby focused on collecting objects has developed into a collaborative practice that enables archaeologists to better understand landscapes and material culture.<\/p>\n

This transformation has been supported by the implementation of the Portable Antiquities Scheme<\/a> (PAS) and the Treasure Act 1996. Treasures are objects that are over 300-year-old and contain at least 10% of gold or silver or groups of coins, objects from the Iron age or earlier, or objects that are over 200-year-old and have a significant historical, archaeological or cultural importance (Treasure Act 1996 and designation by the Secretary of State). A finder must report a treasure to the coroner within 14 days (starting the day after it was found) or may be prosecuted. In practice, finds are reported to the Find Liaison Officer (FLO) who will report it to the coroner if it is a treasure. However, most objects found in fields are not treasures within the definition of the Act, they are single coins, iron buckles, bronze brooches, lead weights, or broken pottery and this is where PAS comes in. PAS is a voluntary recording system that encourages members of the public to bring all archaeological finds to FLOs who identify and log them into a massive, publicly accessible online database.<\/p>\n

David Barwell, a leading figure in metal detecting in the Southeast and chairman of LEGISE, highlighted how recording finds and mapping them across a site can reveal patterns spanning from Neolithic to Medieval times, transforming isolated discoveries into meaningful landscape narratives. This reflects a broader cultural shift among detectorists, who are now engaging not only with what they find, but also with what those finds signify in relation to place, history, and environment. In this sense, many detectorists are becoming active contributors to mapping the historic landscape through accurate recording, including the use of what3words mapping tools. David described this emerging identity as that of \u201carchaeodetectorists.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr Andrew Richardson explained how the PAS and the Treasure Act 1996 have institutionalised collaboration between detectorists and archaeologists over the past 40 years at Kent as the county was a pilot for the scheme. Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs) play a critical role in recording objects, ensuring that even non-treasure finds (around 99% of all finds) are documented. The resulting database, which now contains nearly two million artefacts, has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of Britain\u2019s past, from Iron Age coinage to Anglo-Saxon material culture. Andrew emphasised that this system depends on responsible reporting, accurate findspot recording, and strong partnerships with the detecting community. He reflected on how his experience as a FLO differed between his earlier role (2002-2008) and his return in December 2025, noting in particular that the metal detecting community is now more engaged with the PAS and more committed to accurate recording. Finally, he mentioned that the PAS database will be updated in July 2026 to streamline recording and enhance usability, with findspot recording becoming a mandatory requirement.<\/p>\n

Professor Ellen Swift presented her project Britain’s Last Roman Hoards<\/a>, many of which have been discovered by metal detectorists, demonstrating that such research would not be possible without their contributions. By analysing coins, artefacts, and their containers together, the project offers new insights into the end of Roman Britain, challenging established chronologies and suggesting that Roman coins may have continued circulating much later than previously believed. This example illustrates how detectorists\u2019 discoveries, when properly recorded, can directly inform academic interpretations and debates.<\/p>\n

Across all three talks, there was a clear awareness of ongoing challenges. The rapid growth of metal detecting has increased the number of new participants, some of whom may lack an understanding of best practice, of legal responsibilities (such as obtaining the landowner permission and declaring treasure to a FLO within 14 days), and the importance of recording finds. Concerns were also raised about the commercialisation of metal detecting by companies that may not promote proper reporting, potentially undermining efforts to protect heritage. As a result, education, outreach, and accessibility were repeatedly emphasised as priorities.<\/p>\n

The overarching message was one of shared responsibility and cooperation. Responsible metal detecting, grounded in accurate recording, respect for context, and collaboration with archaeologists, can create an unparalleled archaeological resource in England and Wales. The future of this success will depend on continuing to support, educate, and engage detectorists as partners in preserving and interpreting the historic landscape.<\/p>\n