Metal Detectorists
Verulamium museum has a good working relationship with local detectorists and detector clubs and encourages the responsible use of metal detectors.
Our staff are available to offer help and advice on conservation, photography, and the recording of finds, advice and information on the Treasure Act and information on local detector clubs.
Click here to find out more about the Treasure Act (this will open in a new window).
The museum's free object identification and dating service is also available to all detectorists.
For more information contact Dave Thorold ( 01727 751824)
Finds Liaison Officer
The government funds posts throughout the country to record all the archaeological finds made by the general public, in particular by metal detectors. This is called the Portable Antiquities Scheme
- Click here to go to the Portable Antiqities Scheme website (this will open in a new window).
At Verulamium we have Julian Watters, the finds liason officer for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, who will talk to anyone in these counties who has found something they want information on, or perhaps you would like him to talk to your group. For more information contact Julian Watters ( 01727 751826).
Important find by local metal detector
In 2002, local metal detector David Phillips discovered a very rich early Roman burial site near Wheathampstead.
Pair of Roman mould blown glass bottles from Turnershall Farm.
David knew he had found something special and brought in a few of the finds to Verulamium where their importance was immediately recognised.
The Field Archaeology Unit has been excavating at the site for the last three years and has found several burials, a Roman Villa and farm complex and most recently a Roman bath house.
- Click here to read more about this remarkable site at Turnershall Farm.
The spectacular finds from the first burial can now be seen at Verulamium Museum.
