Metal detecting in the UK

[DownNDirty]

OK I'm headed to England this Saturday for a two-week vacation/visit with the in-laws and (of course) I'm taking my metal detector. I've read the Treasure Act & I want to make sure that I fully understand what I am/am not required to turn over to the Coroner's Office.

Based on what I read, the only metal detected relics that I must take to the Coroner's Office are:
1) two or more coins that are 300 years old or older and which contain at least 10 percent silver or gold AND which were found together;
2) ten or more coins greater than 300 years old that were found together, regardless of metal content; and
3) any (non-coin) relic that is 10 percent or more silver or gold and is 300 years old or older.

Is this correct? If so, then I can keep any relics less than 300 years old, up to nine coins found at the same spot that are greater than 300 years old but contain no silver or gold, and one 300+ year old coin with 10 percent or more silver or gold.

Is this right? Are there any other requirements I need to know about?

Thanks in advance!

 

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[John Winter]

Forget about the coroner. Every county has a Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) who acts as a conduit between you and the coroner. Their names, counties covered and other details can be found here: https://finds.org.uk/contacts

It isn't just familiarity with the Treasure Act.
YOU NEED PERMISSION FROM THE LANDOWNER WHEREVER YOU GO ... plus some kind of arrangement if you find something significant, usually a 50/50 split. One would usually work out the finer details when seeking permission.

INSURANCE IS ALSO RECOMMENDED: Index

 

[DownNDirty]

No problem my inlaws are British and they know pretty much everybody in the village and my father in law just retired as vicar of the local Anglican Church there.

 

[DownNDirty]

Was I right about what I have to report?

 

[bill from lachine]

DownNDirty,

I believe also you need an itemized list of all finds to leave the country and return to the US with them....as John mentioned above the FLO officer should be able to fill you in on the details of the required paperwork to make sure it's all legit.

Regards + HH

Bill

 

[John Winter]

Was I right about what I have to report?

Basically, yes.
This is why there is a FLO who can advise you on items found and for which you don't know age or significance.
Seek advice from the FLO. That's why they are there!

I emphasise the fact that you cannot just go and dig anywhere. Many landowners will insist on insurance.

just seen Bill's reply. Good!

 

[John Winter]

No problem my inlaws are British and they know pretty much everybody in the village and my father in law just retired as vicar of the local Anglican Church there.

There is a potential problem. I'm English, have taught in the local school for over 40 years and know a lot of people. Alas, permission to dig is not always easy. Please don't assume that you can come over here, start digging anywhere and circumventing the system. With respect, you asked for advice and I gave it. I don't wish to piss on your parade ... but have you really thought this through?

If you get permission to dig, fine. If you find anything then contact the local FLO from the list I supplied. I wish you luck!

 

[DirtStalker]

DnD I hope you have a bountiful trip. I will keep an eye out on your creek. Good Luck

 

[Mr.T]

And don't tell the vicar you are swinging. It doesn't mean the same in Britain!

 

[DownNDirty]

John and Bill-Thanks for the advice.
John - Don't worry. I never detect here ib America without permission I have no plans to change that in England. The reason I am asking is so that I can follow all the rules. I'm sure my inlaws will come through for me.

 

[DownNDirty]

Tylerb-I know it'll be in good hands. Save me a couple

 

[Begather]

Which metal detector you own dear? I want to buy one for my house but i am little bit confused here.

 

[John Winter]

I wish you a safe journey DownNDirty.
Take care and have a great holiday.
Yesterday in the UK was the hottest day since record began ... 36.5 degrees Celsius, 97.7 Fahrenheit.

 

[DownNDirty]

Sounds like South Carolina! lol. Thankks for the well wishes

 

[cudamark]

Which metal detector you own dear? I want to buy one for my house but i am little bit confused here.

Welcome to Tnet. You'd probably get more responses if you start your own thread asking for detector purchase advice. If all you're going to use it for is around your house, you should just rent or borrow one. It's not going to take long to cover your average house site. Be prepared to supply info such as location, type of target you plan on looking for, waterproof or not, and your price range.

 

[Fitzwilk]

What's the situation with detecting beaches and shorelines in the United Kingdom? I take it the water will be a little bit colder than here in Central Florida.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

What's the situation with detecting beaches and shorelines in the United Kingdom? I take it the water will be a little bit colder than here in Central Florida.

I've read posts of guys from the UK, posting their finds from the beaches. And I assume they were doing so legally.

Or perhaps it's one of those situations where ..... if you asked long enough and hard enough of enough bored purist British archies, that you might find a few to say "no". But perhaps those silly questions haven't occurred enough yet. Because it appears they are hunting beaches there so far.

 

[Mr.T]

You apply online for a foreshore licence-
Here's the link
http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/coastal/metal-detecting/metal-detecting-permit-application/

It is easily got- you obviously have to stay away from specified places.That leaves a lot of shore.