HAVE you found something interesting in your garden, in an allotment or while out dog walking?
Something which might count as “archaeology”?
Crediton Area History and Museum Society (CAHMS) is working with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) as part of the museum’s Crediton 1743 Project.
The Society is encouraging local people to take any archaeological finds to a “Finds Day”, which could add to its knowledge of life in 18th century Crediton.
The event will take place at Crediton Museum on Saturday, November 5 between 11am and 3pm, where Devon’s PAS Finds Liaison Officer Rob Webley will be identifying and recording finds.
Whether you are a seasoned metal detectorist, or you’ve made a chance find, the Society says it may be able to help you identify your discoveries.
Tony Gale, who is leading the Crediton 1743 project for CAHMS said: “Lots of people enjoy TV programmes about back-garden archaeology – and if you’re like me, you’re often amazed at what archaeologists can say about things that have been dug up, or just found lying on the ground.
“This is a great opportunity to get an expert to look at your finds, and maybe add something to the history of Crediton.”
Asked about metal detecting, Tony said: “Responsible metal detecting can unearth some great finds, and we’re interested to know what detectorists have found.
“But please make sure that it’s done responsibly, with the permission of the landowner. The Portable Antiquities Scheme has some really useful guidance online at: https://finds.org.uk/getinvolved/guides/codeofpractice .
“We urge people to follow that guidance if they’re doing any metal detecting. And if you want to be put in touch with a detectorist who will do just that, let us know at: [email protected] .”
Mr Gale added: “We’re particularly interested in 18th century finds because that’s what next year’s exhibition will be all about. But for most of us it’s very difficult to judge how old a find might be – so bring it along and we’ll try to find out.
“The Portable Antiquities Scheme is also interested in recording anything that’s more than 350 years old, so between us we cover a very wide period of history.”
The Finds Day will work on an appointment basis from 11am to 1pm. Booking is essential for these times.
Go to the website below to book your place. We will also be open on a first-come-first-served basis between 1pm and 3pm, for people who haven’t made a booking. Please be aware that if we get a lot of visitors, we can’t guarantee to see anyone who hasn’t booked in advance.
Cost: FREE
Book an appointment at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finds-day-crediton-local-history-tickets-409295141787 .