The Portable Antiquities Scheme

         The scheme was set up as a HLF funded pilot in 4 parts of the country in 1997, to accompany the new Treasure Act. The new act highlighted the fact that many archaeological objects were being found by the public, but they were never seen by archaeologists, who could have recorded the objects fully.

The scheme was very successful and in 2003 became national. It is now funded by central Government and is hailed as the most successful community archaeology project in the world.

The scheme came to Leicestershire in August 2003 with the appointment of Wendy Scott as Finds Liaison Officer for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.  Since then she has recorded thousands of objects and dealt with many Treasure cases. See Found in Leicestershire for examples of interesting and rare objects discovered locally. Also see Treasure Finds for object classified as treasure.

Wendy's work includes regularly visiting metal detecting clubs to record finds and to offer advice on their care. She attends metal detecting rallies and holds finds days, as well as taking part in museum events to highlight the work of the scheme, using archaeological objects to inspire.

All the information is added to an on-line database so it is available to all.

Visit www.findsdatabase.org.uk to see what’s been found in your area.

There is also the schemes main website www.finds.org.uk which has useful information about detecting and getting involved in archaeology, as well as useful finds guides and downloadable copies of all our publications. The Portable Antiquities Scheme children’s website PASt explorers can be accessed from there.

It has national curriculum based activities, guides to archaeology and even lesson plans for teachers.

If you have found any objects that you would like to have recorded, you can leave them at any of the following Museums or you can take them directly to Wendy at Heritage Services HQ in County Hall.  Contact her on 0116 305 8325 or e-mail wscott@leics.gov.uk