Treasure finds at all-time high
New headline figures, published today, show that last year (2012) saw 998 finds of treasure reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the highest number since statistics were first published 5 years ago.
A detailed break-down of the equivalent figures for 2011, also published today, reveals that in that year a massive 92 per cent of all treasure finds were by people with metal detectors.
Welcoming the figures, Heritage Minister Ed Vaizey said:
There’s something essentially mysterious and exciting about buried treasure, and I’m delighted that each year reveals still more finds. These items help us get a fuller picture of how life was lived centuries ago, and add enormously to our rich and varied cultural heritage. I also salute all the responsible metal detectorists – true heritage heroes - whose patience and unceasing curiosity do so much to bring this treasure to light.