Landscape Investigators
Archaeologists and Detectorists Working Together
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Abbey Place, Faversham. Saturday 22nd September 2001, 10am to 5pm
Archaeologists and detectorists share a common interest in seeking through the use of different investigative methods to understand how and when our ancient landscape has been occupied by man throughout the ages. The object of the meeting is to demonstrate how by cooperating, archaeologists and detectorists can achieve an even greater understanding of the lives of people of the past. We will hear throughout the day from individuals and groups, whose researches have benefited from such cooperation.
On 24th September 1997 the Treasure Act 1996 came into effect, replacing the old common law of treasure trove and widening the definition of treasure. In 1997 a full-time Field Liaison Officer (F.L.O.) was appointed, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, as part of a pilot scheme in Kent under the Portable Antiquities Scheme. The post was established in response to a bid submitted by the Kent Archaeologists and Detectorist Liaison Group. The F.L.O.'s task was to liaise and record finds at Detectorist Clubs, with Independent Detectorists and members of the public particularly through 'Finds Days' at Museums. The post has continued to be funded and the present F.L.O., Michael Lewis, is as busy as ever throughout the County.
Keith Parfitt and Ted Connell both members of the Fieldwork Committee of the K.A.S have been visiting and giving talks on archaeological themes to Kent Detectorist Groups for a number of years. They have always found a willingness amongst detectorists to discuss and share information with them about their discoveries. The Fieldwork Committee is keen to promote cooperation between archaeologists and detectorists. Ian Wigston an active detectorist for many years and a member of the K.A.S since 1992 is a member of the Fieldwork Committee. Michael Lewis, F.L.O. is also a member.
The programme of talks, all limited to a maximum of 30 minutes, will include, David Holman and Keith Parfitt on the effect of our understanding of coinage in the Iron Age as a result of recording detectorists finds over many years (see Arch. Cant. Vol120, 2000). Geoff Burr and Ted Connell will relate how the pooling of information about an area of the Longfield Valley has led to an even greater understanding of the occupation during the Roman period. Neil Allen will explain how detectorist finds are helping to throw new light on the development of Old and New Romney. A report will be given from Neil Aldridge on the use of Detectors to help discover the course of Roman Roads in the Weald. Michael Lewis, F.L.O. will speak about the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Kent. Amongst other speakers talking about their work throughout the County will be John Darvill, Nigel Betts, and Gavin Pettet.
Archaeologists, detectorists and historians are invited to attend. There will be plenty of breaks for people to look at the displays, perhaps to bring along a 'find' to be identified and to generally mingle and get to know others who have a similar interest in the past. Admission is by ticket at a cost of £2.00, cheques payable to 'NCMD SR', giving the christian and surnames (for badges on the day) for each ticket requested, from David Barwell enclosing a S.A.E. Any other enquiries to Ted Connell.