Treasure trove unearthed by metal detectors in Northumberland

Sep 16 2009 by Katy Simpson, The Journal

Mr Brown, a history enthusiast, believes the coins must have been stored in a purse, which would have deteriorated over time, but which kept the treasure in good condition.

“They were the coins they used to trade at the time,” said Mr Brown, who found the coins on Saturday with friends Wayne and Keith, of Widdrington, Northumberland. “It could have been a cloth purse or a pot. But if they had been kept in a pot, then we would have found more pottery around them.

“There was a big clump of them. I found the first ones, then one of the other lads started to get a signal.

“His hand was shaking because there was six or seven stuck together. Then they were coming out like bulbs. We could see straight away that they were hammered coins.”

His wife Susan Brown, an optical assistant, said: “He has found penny farthings before and a medieval ring, but never anything as exciting as this.

“He has been waiting all summer for the farmer to cut the grass so he could get on the field.

“Lee is lucky because his father was a gamekeeper, so he used to run about on the fields when he was younger and so was allowed on the field.

“Not all the farmers like people going on their fields with metal detectors.”

Their seven-year-old daughter Marissa shares her dad’s passion and dreams of becoming an archeologist.

Mrs Brown said: “She is a big fan of Time Team. Sometimes she goes out with her dad, but the days can be too long for her. They stay out all day, it is that much of a passion for them.”