Ten years of treasures

A selection of archaeological treasures from across Hampshire went on display this month in the foyer of Winchester’s Guildhall.  They are a celebration of the national Portable Antiquities Scheme, which began working in Hampshire ten years ago this year.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a voluntary scheme to record archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales. Every year many thousands of objects are discovered, many of these by metal-detector users, but also by people out walking, gardening or going about their daily work. Such discoveries offer an important source for understanding our past.

The finds on display at the Guildhall were all made by members of the public, and subsequently acquired by or donated to Winchester or Hampshire Museums Services through the Scheme.  They range from objects that illuminate the lives of ordinary people in Hampshire to some so special that they were hoarded and buried.

Since 1999, over 16,000 artefacts found by people in Hampshire have been recorded by the Scheme.  In the last 12 months alone over 2,000 finds have been logged with the help of Kath Creed, an intern funded by the Headley Trust.

Rob Webley, the Hampshire Portable Antiquities Scheme Finds Liaison Officer, said: “Why not come and see what has been found in your county in the last decade from Bronze Age axes to medieval rings?”

Patricia Stallard, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Sport at Winchester City Council congratulated the Scheme on ten years of identifying and recording these fascinating finds: “The responsible recording of this impressive number of Hampshire finds is really adding to our knowledge of life in the past.  I am delighted to have the Hampshire Finds Liaison Officer based in Winchester, and delighted to be hosting this 10^th anniversary display at the Guildhall”.

The objects will be on show until 30^th September 2009

Last Updated: Monday 27 March 2017