Detectingwales.com headed back to Rooksbridge today to see what our Medieval ancestors had let behind.
We were under the impression earlier in the week from the farmer that we had the same very productive fields as in 2009, but alas on arrival things had changed. This was due to the crop coming through earlier than expected. It was great to see though that nobody ventured onto the fields they shouldn't have and that as always we all honoured the farmers wishes. As usual Well Done Guys - its what helps give us a good name with the farmers.
The day started misty and rather chilly, but following the usual pep talk we were off into the fields that consisted of two stubble, a freshly ploughed {too fresh in my mind} and a couple of pastures.
As we headed off the sun started to break through, and it turned into a glorious day with glowing sun-kissed faces for everyone by the end. Well they do say that
"The sun shines on the righteous!"I headed off to the large freshly ploughed and found it particularly hard going - the Minelab isn't a great fan of fresh plough and to be honest I struggled in there. My only find of note on the pathway was a Medieval bronze Plum Bob - for building walls - pretty certain that what it is anyway. I've seen it before in Treasure Hunting magazine I think.
So after a brief visist to one of the pastures I headed back to the car park field to find news of hammered coins!
The first of the day fell to DavTec and took the form of a lovely condition and undated Lizzy. Well done on a great example.
Next medieval coin fell to the ever faithful Doc and was accompanied by a Krauwinkle Jetton.
That wasn't the only jetton though as Shungav also had found one and his dad keen to out do Junior had a equal armed cross in his hand. A really interesting bronze item. Its definately not one of those wooden ball lead inserts that so often turn up and is one for the FLO to confirm.
Bobkoi was busy producing more hammered coins and had two to show. The one was a bit battered but the legend should be ligible after a bit of TLC to see who it is.
Chef was spotted punching the air in the distance and rightfully so as he had found a sweet little silver ring. Waiting to see if there are any hallmarks on it. A well deserved find for a smashing guy.
Mark pulled out a full silver sixpence of 1916, RJM (who recently graced the pages of Treasure Hunting - nice article mate) had produced a Half Crown of 1927. An important year to both Bob and myself - Cardiff City reference for those wondering! Another chap had found probably the most biazzare coin of the day in the form of a coin from Trinidad and Tobago dated 1966 (an equally important day for English football fans but I can't for the life of me remember why!)
Meatslicer arrived with his first full hammered coin - it being I think of James 1st. Well done Eric - welcome to the hammered club. He was quickly followed by Adesace who had travelled down from Wolverhampton and been rewarded with a cut half.
A nice hat pin arrived for someone else along with a few pennies, farthings and musket balls, which inevitably turn up where ever we go.
For the first time ever DW provided Rally site toilets which were advertised as the latest in outdoor privies!
I happened upon an oblivious TaffLaff trying it out.
The end of the day saw me leaving with just a few members still in the fields. A great day out, although initially slow on the finds front, it still resulted in 10 hammered coins and a selection of milled coins and artefacts. the wildlife was equally stunning and I loved watching a heron fishing - who knew full well I was there, but was happy to let me watch him.
Cheers one and all - Roast Beef time now.
Until we meet again
Neil