Metal detectorist finds hundreds of years old gold treasure in farmer’s field

A metal detectorist came across a squashed piece of gold jewellery in a field in Cumbria, which has been found to be treasure which is hundreds of years old.

Jacob Purdie from Lancaster was out metal detecting in a field in Burton-in-Kendal last year when he came across the discovery. 

He found a squashed filigree gold pin head along with a quarter noble – a hammered gold coin.

Single gold coins are not classed as treasure so Mr Purdie offered the landowner half the value of the coin and declared the pin head to be determined whether it qualifies as treasure.

On what it was like to first come across the valuable piece of history, Mr Purdie told Proper Manchester: “I was in a lot of shock when I eventually realised what it could be.

“At first I thought it was just foil but when I saw the decoration on the object I knew immediately it was something of historical significance.”

Mr Purdie declared the object the very same day he found it. The pin head is believed to date back to the Anglo-Saxon period and because it is a piece of gold and more than 300 years old, it qualifies as treasure under the Treasure Act of 1996.

About how he began metal detecting as a hobby, Mr Purdie said: “I started metal detecting after I learnt my friend was into the hobby. I have always been obsessed with history, so it was like magnet and steel when I discovered it myself.”

He often films his finds and documents his metal detecting on his YouTube channel, Jake Detects. He continued: “I have been obsessed with the hobby ever since. I just love the outdoors and mixed with a bit of treasure hunting, it really is the best hobby in the world. 

“It’s good for the mind and soul being outside and if you come across anything of historical significance then it makes it all the better. 

“But even rainy days where I don’t come across anything are enjoyable nonetheless.”

The Treasure Valuation Committee is currently considering the find to determine a valuation for it. Museums have also been alerted of the find in case they would like to purchase it to put on display.

If you make a find you suspect to be a piece of treasure, Mr Purdie says: “So, to declare an object the first instance is to notify the landowner of potentially something significant as it is their land and they deserve to know first. 

“But in very close second you must contact the local Finds Liaison Officer and they will issue you an instruction of what to do next. I then handed it over to the FLO and she started the treasure process. 

“It went to the County Coroner and they deemed it to be treasure as it is more than 300 years old and made from a precious metal.”

Mr Purdie added: “It’s a fantastic hobby, but it’s important to learn the rules first. I.e getting permission from the landowner and then declaring anything you find to the FLO to record. 

“Recording history is the primary goal for me. I think it’s really important to record artefacts so we gather an understanding of who lived before and what their world was like back then.”

You can keep up to date with Mr Purdie’s finds on YouTube, HERE.

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