Britain saw a record number of archaeological discoveries and treasure finds in 2024, largely attributed to the contributions of metal detectorists. British Museum data reveals a substantial rise in public-reported finds over the last three years, with an impressive 94 per cent originating from amateur enthusiasts.
The latest annual figures for the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) show there were 79,616 finds recorded in 2024. Meanwhile, 1,540 treasure cases were reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland during 2024, the highest number recorded in a single year, up from 1,377 in 2023.
Among the discoveries was a hoard of 179 silver pennies, probably buried on the eve of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Another item was a complete copper-alloy Roman vehicle fitting, found by a detectorist in Essex, thought to date from about AD 43 to 200.
The counties recording the most PAS finds were Norfolk (7,120), Suffolk (5,410), Lincolnshire (5,133) and Gloucestershire (5,034). More than 92 per cent of objects were recovered from cultivated land, where archaeological material is especially vulnerable to agricultural damage.
Another find was an assemblage of early medieval precious metal objects found in Wiltshire, thought to form part of a high-status burial. The find includes a silver, gold and garnet bird’s head terminal with elephant ivory inlays, possibly from a drinking horn.
A British Museum spokesperson said: “These record-breaking figures are due in large part to metal detectorists, who account for 94 per cent of recorded finds and demonstrate the vital contribution made by members of the public to documenting and preserving the nation’s history.”
