To cover more rare and valuable archaeological finds, the government plans to change the official definition of “treasure” so that such arts can be saved for the country instead of being sold to private collectors.
Under the Treasury Act of 1996, items found to be more than 300 years old and made of gold or silver, or artifacts made of precious metals, are designated as treasure troves.
Once officially recognized as treasures, such items become the property of the Crown and are made available for editing by local or national museums for public display.
But this medieval view of treasures does not cover many important discoveries of the 21st century. Metal detection has produced a growing number of object objects from Roman Britain that do not meet this criterion as they are often made of bronze instead of precious metals.
In addition, some items of national importance have been lost to the public or are at risk of being sold to private collectors, the culture department said.
Recent discoveries include the spectacular bronze-enamel horse brooch, known as the Leasingham horse, and dating between the second and fourth centuries AD, found by detectors in Lincolnshire this year. Combining earlier designs from the Iron Age, the brooch is a rare example and of national importance, although it could not be designated a treasure. However, thanks to the inventor’s generosity, it has been exhibited at Lincoln’s Collection Museum.
A typical rare copper-alloy Roman figurine, known as a biras Brittanicus, worn in a hooded clock, was found near Chelseford, Essex, and was almost lost from public view. Here the government took action and imposed a delayed export license delaying its sale. The Chelmsford City Museum was then able to raise money to purchase the figurines.
Plans for a new definition of treasure will aim to ensure that targeted discoveries can be determined with regard to their material qualities, even if their material is historically or culturally important.
Announcing the plans, Culture Minister Caroline Danenej said: “The discovery of treasures buried by emerging detectors has become more popular than ever, and many antiques now feature daylight in museum collections. Nevertheless, it is important that we advance plans to preserve our more precious history and make it easier for everyone to follow the treasury process. “
Finders, landowners, museums and members of the public were invited to participate in the consultation process which was followed by government proposals. Detectors, archaeologists, museums, academies and curators will have the opportunity to contribute to the new definition. Plans to streamline the treasure process will also be presented.
Following the popularity of metal detection as a hobby, the number of treasury cases has increased from just 79 in 1997 to 1,267 in 2017. 96% of the treasures declared in 2017 were found through metal detection.
The proposals were welcomed by the British Museum. “We are very welcome to work with you [culture department] Because it continues to work to improve treasury law to protect our shared heritage and promote best practices among traders.
Roger Bundland, chairman of the Treasury Valuation Committee, also welcomed the announcement, saying more work would be needed to “ensure that the most important findings can be secured” to redefine the treasure.
