Detecting Wales Rally 94 - To The Manor Born

[Neil]

Detecting Wales Rally 94 - To the Manor Born

The DW masses headed back to a vale location that has annually provided a wealth of finds, and once more we were not to be disappointed. For this visit we also had access to the fabled ‘Manor Field’ which in the past has been really productive, but alas was often still in crop when we visited.

A wet start in Cardiff soon changed to a sweltering day on the coast as I made my way to the farm and discovered that for once I was almost the first on site. Signs up, quick chat with the farmer, welcome introduction and we were off into the fields that consisted of about 100 acres of stubble.

Dectorists circled each other, debated, nodded heads and then generally headed in four different directions, with some opting for the known Roman hotspot, others for the top field, some to the left and the rest to the Manor Field.  I joined the Manor Field brigade and was promptly informed that a heavily hung over Mike had unearthed a beauty of a personal lead seal that looks early medieval and still carries clear lettering. Time to get the wax or blue tack out to decipher it my friend.

Next up was Paul and Barry with a cut half and a 1579 Lizzy respectively. It looked like the Manor Field was once again in a giving kind of mood and releasing the silver from its earthly clasp.

Next find fell to myself and after about ten lead or copper signals in the same area I received a slightly crisper signal, dug down half a spade and “Boom Baby” – a hammered coin. I haven’t had much of a chance to have a go at deciphering it but its an Edward of some sort in pretty good nick. I seem to be finding silver most trips this year which I am more than pleased with as I hardly get out now since the rugrat has arrived.

Shortly after this I headed back to the car park to meet Proconsol for the task of opening up another field where on a previous occasion a gilded silver ring that was declared treasure was uncovered.

Back with the cars I was treated to seeing two Roman brooches that one lucky finder had found along with a splattering of Roman coinage, milled silver and a few more hammered from various pockets and pouches.

A pair of silver thimbles also appeared from the Manor Field and one of them was uncovered by DW’s elder statesman Ancient Pat and arguably was the find of the day. It’s an open top silver thimble bearing hallmarks and an inscription that I recall was about Love and Choice – not to dissimilar to the posy ring inscriptions we are occasionally lucky enough to come across. Well done Pat – a lovely find that will straighten with a bit a patience and the right amount of heat.

The Doc seem to be focussed on the Manor Field in his usual detecting manner and was rewarded with two hammered coins and a milled silver long after the heat had beaten many a detectorist back to the shade of their cars.

The last find of the day I got to see went to Annette who spotted me whilst I was collecting the signage and showed me an easily repairable silver name badge with ‘Dolly’ on it. This came from the field we opened after lunch and it goes to show the preservation does pay off as it was a hard, hot and high field to detecting.

A great day out with lovely company and once again this farm defied the odds and showed that every turn of the plough brings new bits of history to light. At last count we were on twelve hammered, two silver thimbles, two Roman brooches, Roman coins, Milled silver and a personal lead seal. That’s just what I saw or know of and I only managed to speak to half the people at the rally. Feel free to add your finds below.

Before I forget I must give a quick nod of the head and warm hand shake to two new DW members who joined us all the way from Chesterfield. I hope the long trip was worthwhile and that we gave you a warm welcome and hopefully a few finds to return with.

We have three more rallies in the pipe line for September and October, so as always keep checking back for the latest news.

Keep The Faith

Neil

[Neil]

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[dingdong]

Many many thanks Niel for yet again giving a very vivid account of the days proceedings.
Once again DW members coming up trumps with some really spectacular finds.
And on a more personal note,Thanks,it does mean a great deal to me to read the Rally details,as I would love to attend,but unfortunately as always these days circumstances dictate 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏.    👍......great piece.

[Val Beechey]

Good report, once again Neil. Thanks for posting.
Amazing place, Gileston. It just keeps giving. That must be the 7th Rally and it didn't disappoint.

[Trefor Meirionnydd]

Excellent reading, shame I couldn't be there - I'm not going to be able to sleep now and I'm already looking into the pipeline hoping I'm free. Thank you.

[probono]

As usual I didn't find much - but I think it was mainly due to a faulty coil this time - and despite not long having come back from a much hotter country I found the heat defeated me.

I held the silver thimble that was found by ancient Pat - fantastic item - Love (heart) vertue was the inscription - wondering (given the thistles on it) if there was some Scottish connection.

I'm always impressed by the perseverance of some of the members (like The Doc and Mike) who always find stuff - because of their dedication and gridding.

[Dungbeetle]

Nice write up and pics Neil. Well done to the finders

[ancientpat]

With reference to the thimble I found at the rally, the only item I have found similar but in brass is quoted as 1600's James 11 period. I am planning to send a photo of it to Brian Read who has just written a book on thimbles to get his opinion on it. Thanks Roland for your comments I will keep the site posted when I have more info.

                                                                    Pat. 

[Jeffc]

Good idea, Pat.  Brian confirmed my thoughts on the one I found several years ago and knows more  than the general guys at the museum.

[jammiedigger]

I found a silver thimble a few months back with 'forget me not' inscribed around it no hallmarks turned out to be early 19thc

[probono]

I found a silver thimble a few months back with 'forget me not' inscribed around it no hallmarks turned out to be early 19thc

The spelling of 'Virtue' was 'Vertue' - suggesting an earlier date than 19th century

[ancientpat]

Hi Roland In my earlier post I mentioned that I had found a thimble in brass with same spelling as mine and they thought that it was Jacobean period .

                                                                                Pat. 

[ian the nomad]

 Great report as always. was sorry not to be able to make the rally but glad so many good finds came up.

[Villan (Neil)]

Some really nice finds there,well done all 

[brickbat]

Sorry I am late bean on holidays here are some of the finds from Gileston, any ID please