Digging for history in West Berkshire
Two villagers have teamed up to curate an exhibition of historic artefacts.
The metal detectorists are planning to present their diverse array of historic findings from different periods at a public exhibition in Basildon.
Calcot resident, Jeff Nelson, 57, has been metal detecting for over 40 years. His most notable findings include a 14-carat gold belt buckle found on the Basildon-Bradfield border, Roman and Tudor era coins, a canon ball, and a razor set he claims belongs to Berkshire born British painter, Gilbert Spencer.
Mr Nelson's first ever find was a medieval buckle. He has come a long way since, now using equipment costing up to £1,200.
He says his work is vital in conserving historic items at increasing risk of becoming lost or damaged, and hopes his work will promote a positive awareness of metal detecting. He is keen to dissociate himself from so-called 'nighthawkers', people who steal from archaeological sites and private land for personal gain.
Mr Nelson met fellow Calcot resident, Ricky Mitchell, 40, by chance and the pair soon bonded over their common interest. They detect together at least twice per month on farmland and residential properties undergoing renovation in the Basildon area.
Mr Nelson says he always obtains permission from landowners first before conducting any research or fieldwork. Often assisting him is former Basildon Village Hall trustee and historian, Clive Williams, 84.
"I am looking to find a permanent spot where my Basildon documents and Jeff's discoveries can be displayed for all to see," said Mr Williams.
"If unsuccessful, then we would definitely look to exhibit at the village hall on a suitable occasion."
Mr Nelson compared the patience and dedication involved in detecting to fishing, and described a childlike feeling of elation with each new discovery. One discovery that continues to spur his fascination is a gold belt buckle he found near Basildon Park.
He believes this belonged to a US Army officer of the 101st Airborne Division, which was stationed at the country house for D-Day training during the Second World War.
Mr Nelson recalled one humorous incident when The British Museum invited him to show what they thought was a entirely new coin he had discovered — later revealed to be a model coin from a Victorian doll's house.
Mr Nelson urges any newcomers to the hobby to shop around before buying any equipment, and invites those with a genuine interest to follow his progress on Facebook: Jeff & Ricky's History Beneath Our Feet.
Under the Treasure Act of 1996, all items of treasure including coins, weapons and jewellery, must be reported to the local coroner within 14 days of their discovery, and all treasures found on council land remain the property of West Berkshire Council.
Each county has a finds liaison officer appointed through the Portable Antiquities Scheme, responsible for recording archaeological finds made by the public. FLO for Berkshire, Philip Smither, holds regular Finds Surgeries at West Berkshire Museum and the Berkshire Record Office.
Please contact Mr Smither on Philip.Smither1@westberks.gov.uk to record a potential treasure find.
