DetectingWales.com

Pembrokeshire coroner declares finds treasure

5:01pm Friday 1st May 2009


Five rare artefacts discovered by Pembrokeshire metal detecting fans were declared as treasure at an inquest today (Friday).

The five pieces - a silver finger ring, silver thimble, silver dress hook, silver brooch and a silver coin brooch - were detailed to Pembrokeshire coroner Michael Howells.

Of particular interest was the silver coin brooch, discovered in Tenby in September 2008 by Gerald Griffiths.

The brooch was created from a King Edward I silver groat, believed to have dated from around 1280.

Coroner's officer Jeremy Davies explained that the coin had been something of a curiosity to the people at the time and similar coins, also turned into brooches, have previously been discovered.

Mr Davies said that, although treasure laws do not usually cover single coins, because the coin had been turned into a brooch, it could be classed as treasure.

The National Museum of Wales was interested in taking the artefact, Mr Howells was told.

Mr Howells told Mr Griffiths: "It is a really interesting find, a really good one."

The silver ring was found at Milton by Stephen Richards and is dated from the 12th century. Engraved around the edge, the ring has been requested by Tenby museum.

The thimble, found near Carew, is believed to date from the 17th century and had the words 'keep promise' engraved upon it.

The dress hook, found at Carew Cheriton, is believed to be 16th century while the silver brooch unearthed at Mathry is believed to be 13th or 14th century.

Hello Geoff. Is it ok if I put this on my web page please.

You carry on Charles, it's up there for everyone.

Chef

Thanks Geoff. Now done.