The Work of the Portable Antiquities Scheme

The Portable Antiquities Scheme was set up as a pilot in 4 parts of the country in 1997, to accompany the new Treasure Act. The ancient law of Treasure Trove had many flaws and it 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 aims to ensure that as many objects as possible are voluntarilyrecorded and the information made available for research and education.

The main aims of the scheme are:-

To advance knowledge of the history and archaeology of England and Wales by the systematic recording of archaeological objects found by the public.
To raise awareness amongst the public of the educational value of archaeological finds and facilitate research in them.
To increase opportunities for active public involvement in archaeology and strengthen 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.
As a lot of items are found by metal detector users we also visit their club meetings to record objects and give advice on conservation and best practice.

PAS in Leicestershire and Rutland
The scheme came to Leicestershire in August 2003 with the appointment of Wendy Scott as Finds Liaison Officer for Leicestershire and Rutland. Since then she has recorded thousands of objects and dealt with many Treasure cases.

Wendy's work includes visiting Metal detecting clubs, holding finds days at local museums and working with children, both in the classroom and at Events days held at Donington Manor House.

What happens to the Information?
All the information gained is added to the national on-line database at www.finds.org.uk

How do I get my finds to the Finds Liaison Officer?
If you have found any objects that should be 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 us on 0116 305 8325 or e-mail wscott@leics.gov.uk

Donington Le Heath Manor House, Nr Coalville
Melton Carnegie Museum, Melton Mowbray
The Harborough Museum, Market Harborough
Charnwood Museum, Loughborough
Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester
Rutland County Museum, Oakham

The New Treasure Act (1996)
The Government funded Portable Antiquities Scheme has been set up to accompany the new Treasure Act which became law on January 1^st 2003. This new act has replaced the ancient law of Treasure Trove which was complicated and did not really help to protect archaeological objects.

The new act more clearly defines treasure and takes into account items that may have little financial value, but that are extremely important in advancing our knowledge of the past. This includes prehistoric objects such as Bronze Age metalworking hoards and other non-precious metal items.

What do I do if I find Treasure?
If you think an item may be treasure then you are required by law to report it. This can be done by contacting your local Finds liaison officer, the coroner or any Archaeologist.

If the item qualifies as treasure it will be formally identified and then a coroner’s inquest will be held to legally confirm that it is treasure. It will then be offered to the local museum or the British Museum. If they want to purchase the item it will be valued by the Treasure Valuation Committee. The finder and the landowner will each get 50% of the value as compensation for the find being claimed by the crown. If an object is not wanted by a Museum it is Disclaimed and returned to the finder and landowner, who are then free to keep or sell the object.

The Work of the Portable Antiquities Scheme

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