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'Fifth century' find
Monday, 12 noon - AN ANCIENT silver buckle found by a metal detectorist in a field near Horncastle has been declared treasure by assistant deputy coroner Paul Smith
Although tiny, the buckle is intricately engraved with monsters, animals and birds. It is thought to date from the late fifth or early sixth century and be of Anglo-Scandinavian origin.
According to a report, compiled by the British Museum, the item weighs 22.5 grammes and is of between 91-95 per cent silver, most of the rest being copper with traces of lead.
The finder, Kevin Wright, was not present at Thursday's hearing, but it is understood he has an agreement with the landowners, permitting him to scan the field during times when arable crops are not being grown.
The value of the find is not yet known but will be determined by a special committee, with Mr Wright and the landowners, a husband and wife, likely to share any proceeds on a 50-50 basis.
The location of the discovery and identities of the site owners have not been divulged for fear of attracting nighthawkers - unscrupulous detectorists who plunder antiquities without the permission of landowners, and who fail to report finds.
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Weather for Horncastle
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
