A metal detecting rally organised by the Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay resulted in the unearthing of artefacts dating back almost 1,000 years from a field in Southend.
Among the objects discovered were coins from the time of Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius and a half crown from the time of King Charles 1 dated 1636. Also found were items of farming equipment, animal bells, medieval belt accessories and an item thought to be a medieval vessel spout, which has been sent for historical analysis.
Nigel Gayner of the Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay, who organised the event, was delighted by the finds: “We originally organised the metal detecting rally to raise money for Rotary charities. Over a hundred people took part and more than £800 was raised, so the fact that so many Roman and other historical items have been uncovered is an added bonus.”
The artefacts were found in approximately 100 acres of arable farmland which is divided by hedges and ditches into six fields. Expert Katie Marsden, from Colchester Museum said: “Essex has a very rich history and it looks from these finds that there is a history of trade in this area, dating back to Roman times.”
Photo courtesy of the Maldon and Burnham Standard
