Introduction
There’s something magical about holding a significant piece of ancient history in your hands - and when it is gold - and you unearthed it! Well let’s just say the emotions run high!
For me, that moment came during a bonding and metal detecting holiday with my 12 year old son, Arthur - a bonding trip that turned into an unforgettable adventure. What started as a rainy day in the UK ended with the discovery of a lifetime with what we believe to be a piece of Anglo Saxon Gold, complete with an intricate filigree design.
This find isn’t just a treasure; it’s a bridge between the past and the present, and it’s already starting to inspire new ideas for my jewellery designs. Here’s the story of how it all happened.
The Bonding Trip:
Since I was a young boy I always wanted to uncover and discover - be it with such interests as fishing or more notably history! Metal detecting has always been something I loved doing however good finds have been thin on the ground! Thankfully Arthur has been bitten by the same bug so we can embrace our inner geeks together and share this passion of being metal detectorist! In fact it was after watching the British series The Detectorists, that we both looked at each other and pretty much said “Let’s do this!”.
This trip was no ordinary outing - it was a chance for us to connect, explore, create memories together - and play chess!
We started our journey at 3am driving to the airport in Faro, Portugal, where we now live. The UK did not disappoint our expectation of a grey welcome as we landed at Stansted, but despite this, the excitement of what we may find kept us totally upbeat. Little did we know, we were about to uncover something extraordinary.
The Discovery:
So there we were, in Lincolnshire, for three days solid we detected, often with our feet triple their weight with our boots “shit up with clarts” (heavy with mud!). And although we had unearthed loads of interesting finds we had in no way discovered our very own sutton hoo ship burial - but there was still time - although not so much as it was our last day!
Then, around midday, my detector gave a relatively low signal - usually a sign of scrap metal or rusty iron. But I remembered the advice I’d been given: “If in doubt, dig it out”. I started to dig just to confirm it was of no interest - and then, everything got really serious - my focus increased exponentially as I saw something glinting in the soil, and it was unmistakably golden in colour. I called out to Arthur:
“Get over here - I think I’ve got something!”
With shaky hands and a rapid heart beat, I gently pulled from the ground a wonderful piece of gold with an intricate filigree design, likely dating back to something like the 7th century - the Saxon period. It was squashed from hundreds of years of pressure but the quality of the craftsmanship was clear as day and truly breathtaking, as was the design itself. Made at a time when the tooling for jewellers and goldsmiths was incredibly basic, the skill of the person responsible for making this relic must have been phenomenal. We had no idea what it was and the mystery behind it had Arthur and I captivated. A serene kind of calm came over me as I held the piece in my hand and I said to myself - “crumbs, it is actually possible to find something of real importance - even after decades of searching!”. As soon it all sunk in Arthur and I switched our detectors back on and feverously detected the surrounding area to see if there was any more Saxon Gold or Silver for that matter!
The Artifac
The piece is currently being examined by experts through the Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) in the UK to confirm its origins, historical significance and to determine if it is classed as ‘treasure’! In line with the Treasure Act 1996, if it is treasure and depending on how significant, the British Museum or other museums can offer to buy it from the farmer and myself.
What we think it could be is the chape of the dagger scabbard - meaning the cap of metal that was fixed to the bottom of the blade’s leather sheath so the point did not cut through.
And whilst the experts deliberate over the find, I’ve been working with one of my CAD designers to create a digital reconstruction of what it might have looked like in its heyday. The filigree design is particularly inspiring - its delicate patterns, precision and aesthetic are incredible. It’s a reminder that great artistry transcends time, and it’s already sparking ideas for a new member of my jewellery collections.
The Inspiration:
As a jewellery designer and I’m constantly inspired with client's stories and my own experiences to create beautiful and unique jewellery. And, I have also been a history enthusiast since I can remember. My parents called me Eagle Eye as a young boy because I kept finding fossils and even stone-age flints. So this potentially Saxon gold artifact is something so special for me. It’s a tangible connection to the past, and I would love to honour that by creating a design that is inspired by this find. Imagine a unique engagement ring or modern cocktail ring that honours the intricate filigree patterns in this ancient treasure. I can even see it on wedding bands and contemporary gents jewellery… watch this space!
A Nod to the Metal Detecting Community:
This incredible discovery wouldn’t have been possible without Martin Stokes, a key figure in Lincolnshire’s metal detecting community. Martin not only secured permissions for our trip but has introduced countless people - Cubs, Scouts, and newcomers - to this fascinating hobby.
Beyond history, he’s deeply committed to Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity supporting veterans’ mental health. Through Digging History UK, Martin and his team combine their passion for metal detecting with fundraising efforts to help ex-service personnel struggling with PTSD and mental health challenges. Every dig is more than just unearthing history - it’s about making a real difference. I’m incredibly grateful for Martin’s generosity and the warm welcome he gave Arthur and me. If you have a moment, please check out Combat Stress - they do vital work for men and women who truly deserve our support.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning of the story. As experts continue to analyse the artifact, I’ll be sharing updates on my website and social media. I invite you to follow along as the journey unfolds.
And who knows? Let’s see how inspiration strikes with this piece of Saxon Gold leading to a new collection that could blend ancient artistry with modern luxury.
What do you think - would you wear a piece inspired by ancient Saxon gold? Does this discovery spark an interest in history or even metal detecting for you? Arthur and I would love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below or message me directly, and follow along for updates on this incredible find.
