Treasure hunt reveals hoard of special finds
THE dream of finding treasure can become reality for those with luck on their side.
For anyone who has used a metal detector the ultimate dream is stumbling across a hidden archaeological treasure buried underground.
And down the years there have been a number of significant finds in and around Huddersfield, turning up items dating back to prehistoric times.
The finds are listed on a British Museum database called the Portable Antiquities Scheme ( finds.org. uk ), for historical objects found by members of the public, which has over a million items registered.
Here are some of the discoveries, and where they were found:
A small but significant hoard of ancient coins, pictured left, were discovered in 1893 hidden in a cavity behind a piece of rock.
The coins included late iron age and Roman coins and had been concealed in an ox bone.
Five of the coins were silver which were struck within 10 years of the Roman invasion of AD 43. Also was a metal box and a brooch.
A labourer digging in a field near Thurstonland found a large collection of Roman coins in 1838.
The collection amounted to around 500 coins and were mainly copper with a few made of silver.
Some of the coins bore the heads of Constantine, Constantius, Licinius and Carausius.
An account from 1838 states: “A Theca (possibly a container) of Roman money was found at Wistance in Thurstonland, on the 22nd May, 1838, by a labourer on the farm then occupied by Mrs. Crowther, the property of C.H. Bill, Esq.
“The person was employed in digging round the sides of a field near to the house, when he struck his spade into the treasure to his no small astonishment and joy.
“It was estimated that there would be from 6-800 small copper pieces most of which were quickly dispersed through the neighbourhood.”
Some of the coins can now be found at Tolson Museum in Huddersfield.