Portable Antiquities: Research into Metal Detecting

This section provides links to the most recent research into metal detecting and related subjects.

The Nighthawking Survey. Nighthawking can seriously damage archaeological sites, by removing vital evidence and damaging the undisturbed layers. Also, the good reputation of responsible metal detectorists is greatly harmed by Nighthawking. To tackle the problem we need to know more about it. English Heritage, along with many concerned bodies, have commissioned this survey as a first step. See also, the English Heritage summary of the project.

Oxford Archaeology are still collecting and collating incidents of of illegal metal detecting, and illegal sale of antiquities and prosecutions on behalf of English Heritage following the Nighthawking Survey. If you have information they may find useful , please contact nighthawking@thehumanjourney.net.

The Value of Metal Detecting Finds to Archaeological Research by Mark Curteis (Essex County Council) Iron Age coin researcher. Paper given at the, Treasure: resource or riches conference, 7 June 2003

Archaeology and Metal-Detecting: A model for Engaging the Local Community in a Greenfield Development by Neil Macnab for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2000). This report begins by considering the relationship between archaeologists and metal-detectorists, the local need for new housing, and a review of the issues surrounding greenfield development. It outlines the archaeological investigations on the site and describes the community archaeology elements of the project, including community liaison, school visits and open days.

Metal Detecting and Archaeology in England by Colin Dobinson and Simon Denison, with contributions by Hilary Cool and Kate Sussams. Published by English Heritage and the Council for British Archaeology. (1995) – Please note: This page is archived and no longer updated.