Worcestershire has secured its place as one of the best locations in the UK for uncovering treasure, according to recent data.

A Treasure Hunter’s Paradise

The British Museum has recorded nearly 700,000 artifacts discovered across the UK, with Worcestershire ranking second in terms of the number of items classified as treasure.

Councillor Dan Boatright-Greene, who holds a PhD in archaeology, expressed little surprise at these findings, highlighting the county's deep historical roots.

“It’s no shock that Worcestershire ranks among the top spots for treasure discoveries. Our county boasts some of the richest history in the country," said Boatright-Greene. “As long as discoveries are reported legally, we can continue uncovering some of the most significant archaeological sites.”

He also emphasized the role of metal detectorists in these discoveries, noting that their contributions help uncover important historical sites. “Detectorists play a vital role, and it’s great to see them reporting their finds. Plus, if someone discovers a hoard, they’re entitled to keep half of it,” he added.

What Qualifies as Treasure?

The UK Government defines treasure as any item over 300 years old that contains at least 10% gold or silver.

According to the British Museum, Worcestershire has yielded 3,465 documented artifacts, with 58.1% classified as treasure. This makes the county the third-best location for treasure hunting in the UK, trailing behind the Scottish Borders (60.68%) and Lancashire (78.34%).

Notable Discoveries

Worcestershire has been home to several significant treasure finds over the years.

• 1999: A discovery near Chaddesley Corbett unearthed 434 silver coins along with 38 pottery shards.

• 2011: Two Redditch-based metal detectorists found a clay pot containing 3,784 coins on Bredon Hill.

Reflecting on such finds, Dr. Murray Andrews, a lecturer in British archaeology at University College London, described them as “miraculous” and “some of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the last century.”

He further noted that these treasures provide invaluable insights into the past, particularly about the region’s role during the Roman Empire. “These finds tell us what life was like 2,000 years ago when the Malvern Hills may have marked the boundary of the Roman Empire,” Dr. Andrews explained.

The Future of Treasure Hunting in Worcestershire

With its rich historical landscape, Worcestershire continues to be a hotspot for archaeologists and treasure hunters alike. As more discoveries emerge, they offer new glimpses into the county’s fascinating past, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s most rewarding locations for historical exploration.