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Portable Antiquities Scheme

The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a voluntary scheme to record archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales.

Every year thousands of objects are discovered by members of the public. Most of these are found by metal-detectors but also by people out walking, gardening or going about their daily work.

Recording such discoveries offers an important source for understanding our past.

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Portable Antiquities Scheme

The Portable Antiquities Scheme is run by the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales.

Members of the public, who find archaeological objects in England and Wales, are encouraged to record them on a national database. Thousands of archaeological objects are uncovered each year and those finds that are recorded with the Scheme help advance our shared knowledge of history.

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Finds Liaison Officer

The Finds Liaison Officer for Essex is responsible for recording finds found by members of the public from all across the county.

They support interest groups by offering advice, as well documenting and recording objects that have been handed in.

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Treasure

Recording most finds is voluntary. However there is a legal obligation to report objects covered by The Treasure Act (1996).

You must report all finds of Treasure within 14 days after the day on which you made the discovery or within 14 days after the day on which you realised the find might be treasure.

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