Treasure in The Press

Treasure, a term which may unfortunately evoke images of chests full of precious metals, is legally defined by the Treasure Act. This act has been expanded to include finds of non-precious metals that are of historical significance.

Each year, the Government’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport releases figures on treasure cases. Additionally, they report on general finds through the Portable Antiquities Scheme, managed by the British Museum.

Understandably, the many and varied cases, including finds of national importance reported on through the media, are of great interest to the British Public.

Regrettably, at the other end of the spectrum, there are criminal acts committed by those using metal detectors who illegally trespass on historic lands and scheduled monuments. Known as ‘nighthawks,’ these individuals deprive us of artefacts and the crucial contextual information they offer, which is vital for understanding our national heritage.

As a national professional body, the DIF supports all stakeholders, including landowners, and welcomes the inclusion of historically significant items in the reporting of potential finds and treasures.

Historically, we introduced the concept of ‘historical significance’ in interviews to shift the focus from questions like ‘how much is it worth?’ and ‘how much of the reward will the finder receive?’ Today, this concept has been enshrined in law through the Treasure Act, which now extends beyond precious metals to include other important artefacts that previously may not have met the legal requirements for reporting to the local coroner.

Media Support: contact keith@thedif.org.uk

TV: Our team has extensive experience in working with the media, featuring in TV appearances that range from BBC News and Time Team to seven minutes of live television with Anton Du Beke and Steph McGovern.

Radio: We engage with both local and national radio stations, participating in everything from online interviews and in-studio sessions to live broadcasts. Our focus on the stories behind the finds adds a perspective that extends beyond mere monetary reward.