Minrelica
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http://www.thedailydust.co.uk/2010/04/20/pensioner-unearths-500k-of-treasure/
A British pensioner has found over £500,000 worth of treasure using his metal detector.
Peter Beasley, 68, from Waterlooville, Hants, quit his job as a bricklayer in 2003 to concentrate on his hobby of metal detecting.
The decision seems to have paid off, with Mr Beasley unearthing more than half-a-million pounds worth of treasure.
His discoveries include a Roman pendant worn by Caesar, sold for £30,000, and a Norman ring, valued at around £80,000.
Mr Beasley spends around six-hours-a-day, three-days-a-week hunting for ancient artifacts on fields close to his home.
Mr Beasley said: “I just love exploring and it is all about the discovery. I came into this business as a hobby to keep me out of the house but it is serious.
“I am fascinated by the history of our land and it is the buzz of finding something it is a great feeling to dig something up that you know is hundreds of years old.”
Not all of his discoveries have filled him with excitement though, with the former bricklayer adding:
“Of course I have found an awful lot of tat down the years, moles’ teeth and countless pieces of scrap metal, but you have to keep going – it is an obsession.”
But before we all quit our day jobs and start digging in the back garden, Mr Beasley believes there is a reason for his good fortune, adding:
“The land between Chichester and Winchester is land that belonged to William the Conqueror so it is littered with potential finds.
“There are hundreds of us out there and you have to be thorough in doing your research.
“It is really hard work, being out in all-weather, when I come home I am absolutely knackered.”
Mr Beasley began his hobby back in 1979, buying his first metal detector for £80. The investment seems to have paid off.
A British pensioner has found over £500,000 worth of treasure using his metal detector.
Peter Beasley, 68, from Waterlooville, Hants, quit his job as a bricklayer in 2003 to concentrate on his hobby of metal detecting.
The decision seems to have paid off, with Mr Beasley unearthing more than half-a-million pounds worth of treasure.
His discoveries include a Roman pendant worn by Caesar, sold for £30,000, and a Norman ring, valued at around £80,000.
Mr Beasley spends around six-hours-a-day, three-days-a-week hunting for ancient artifacts on fields close to his home.
Mr Beasley said: “I just love exploring and it is all about the discovery. I came into this business as a hobby to keep me out of the house but it is serious.
“I am fascinated by the history of our land and it is the buzz of finding something it is a great feeling to dig something up that you know is hundreds of years old.”
Not all of his discoveries have filled him with excitement though, with the former bricklayer adding:
“Of course I have found an awful lot of tat down the years, moles’ teeth and countless pieces of scrap metal, but you have to keep going – it is an obsession.”
But before we all quit our day jobs and start digging in the back garden, Mr Beasley believes there is a reason for his good fortune, adding:
“The land between Chichester and Winchester is land that belonged to William the Conqueror so it is littered with potential finds.
“There are hundreds of us out there and you have to be thorough in doing your research.
“It is really hard work, being out in all-weather, when I come home I am absolutely knackered.”
Mr Beasley began his hobby back in 1979, buying his first metal detector for £80. The investment seems to have paid off.
