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| Source: See SciNews link below. |
The Thetford treasure was found by a metal detectorist trespassing on a construction site at Fison’s Way on Gallows Hill, Thetford in 1979.
The treasure consisted of 81 objects, including 22 gold finger-rings, other gold jewelry, and 36 silver spoons or strainers.
A shale box contained some jewelry, with the other objects found close to it.
No coins were present among the recovered objects, presenting a dating problem for its researchers...
Here is the link for the rest of the article.
There is a lot more to the story, beginning with the fact that the detectorists were trespassing on a site where earth had been removed for construction and they failed to report the finds to the authorities.
By the time the information about the finds was discovered by the archaeologists, the site was built over and no longer available for a scientific excavation.
I queried Gork and copilot, to find out more about how everything went down, and it turns out that shortly after the finds were turned over to the authorities, the detectorist passed away.
Below are some details I got from Copilot.
The Thetford Hoard, also known as the Thetford Treasure, was discovered in November 1979 by Arthur Brooks, an amateur metal detectorist, at Gallows Hill, near Thetford in Norfolk, England. The circumstances surrounding the find were controversial, and the outcome for the detectorists involved legal and ethical consequences.
What Happened to the Detectorists:
- Illegal Detection and Failure to Report:
- Arthur Brooks was metal detecting without the permission of the landowner, which was illegal, as the site had recently been cleared for building work.
- He failed to report the find to the authorities, as required by law at the time. Instead, he attempted to sell the objects to private buyers, which further violated legal and ethical standards.
- The hoard, consisting of 33 silver spoons, 22 gold finger rings, gold bracelets, necklaces, and other valuable Romano-British artifacts from the 4th century AD, was recovered in haste, likely leaving some items behind.
- Arthur Brooks was metal detecting without the permission of the landowner, which was illegal, as the site had recently been cleared for building work.
- Discovery by Authorities:
- Several months after the find, rumors of the discovery reached archaeologists, but by then, the site had been built over, making a proper archaeological investigation impossible.
- The story eventually leaked out, and the hoard was declared treasure. It was acquired by the British Museum, where it remains today.
- Several months after the find, rumors of the discovery reached archaeologists, but by then, the site had been built over, making a proper archaeological investigation impossible.
- Consequences for Arthur Brooks:
- By the time the British Museum learned of the find, Arthur Brooks was terminally ill. He died in July 1980, about a month after the material was handed over for study, which prevented authorities from questioning him about the circumstances of the find.
- There is no record of legal penalties imposed on Brooks, likely due to his illness and death shortly after the discovery came to light. However, his actions were widely criticized for preventing a full archaeological survey and for the potential loss of additional artifacts.
- By the time the British Museum learned of the find, Arthur Brooks was terminally ill. He died in July 1980, about a month after the material was handed over for study, which prevented authorities from questioning him about the circumstances of the find.
- Greta Brooks’ Involvement:
- Greta Brooks, Arthur’s wife, was also involved in the discovery, but there is little information about her specific role or consequences. The sources primarily focus on Arthur as the primary detectorist.
- Like Arthur, she faced no documented legal repercussions, likely due to the timing of the discovery and Arthur’s death.
- Greta Brooks, Arthur’s wife, was also involved in the discovery, but there is little information about her specific role or consequences. The sources primarily focus on Arthur as the primary detectorist.
- Long-Term Impact:
- The Thetford Hoard case highlighted the importance of responsible metal detecting and adherence to legal reporting requirements. It underscored the need for detectorists to work with landowners and report finds to authorities to preserve archaeological context.
- The controversy surrounding the find contributed to discussions about tightening regulations, which later culminated in the Treasure Act 1996. This law formalized the process for reporting treasure finds in England and Wales, requiring finders to notify the local coroner within 14 days.
- The hoard itself, despite the problematic circumstances of its discovery, provided valuable insights into late Romano-British culture, particularly its potential connection to pagan cult practices during a time when Christianity was becoming dominant.
- The Thetford Hoard case highlighted the importance of responsible metal detecting and adherence to legal reporting requirements. It underscored the need for detectorists to work with landowners and report finds to authorities to preserve archaeological context.
Outcome of the Treasure:
- The Thetford Hoard was declared treasure and acquired by the British Museum. In 2021, select pieces were loaned to the Ancient House Museum in Thetford, near the find site, for a year-long exhibition, allowing the public to view items like a gold belt buckle and silver spoons.
- The exact financial outcome for the Brooks family (e.g., whether they received any reward) is not detailed in the sources, but given the illegal nature of the find and Arthur’s attempt to sell the items privately, it is likely they received little to no financial benefit.
Tulare Lake, located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, was once one of the largest bodies of freshwater in the whole of the US.
But, some 130 years ago it disappeared – thanks largely to the greed of colonialists, who drained its waters to create arable farmland.
And yet, last year, the once-cherished lake suddenly reemerged, bringing with it both positive and painful effects....
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| Clip From Stuart Rocks Beach Cam. |