July 24th 2024.
Meet David Hankin, a 57-year-old grounds maintenance operative who has recently made a remarkable discovery. As the saying goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure," and in this case, that couldn't be more true. You see, David found something that most people would have dismissed as a simple sheep tag - but little did he know, it was actually a rare Bronze Age artefact.
It all started when David was out metal detecting near Cockermouth, Cumbria. He had only taken up this hobby three years ago, but it had quickly become a passion of his. As he was digging, he came across a small object that was covered in dirt. Without thinking much of it, he threw it into his scrap bag and continued his search. It wasn't until later, when he picked it up without his gloves on, that he realized the weight of the object. It was then that he knew he had found something special.
At first, David thought it was just a sheep's ear tag. But upon closer inspection, he noticed that it was actually a 3,500-year-old gold ribbon, used for adorning clothes or hair in the distant past. It was a significant find, especially considering that it was only 6cm long. And the fact that it was discovered in one of the English regions known for its prehistoric artefacts made it even more remarkable.
You see, this area is no stranger to unearthing pieces from the Bronze Age, such as pottery, axe heads, and jewellery. But gold, on the other hand, is a rarity. That's why this particular find was declared a treasure by coroner Robert Cohen during an inquest at Cockermouth Coroners Court last week. And as a result, it has now become the property of the Crown and will be sold to a museum, with its value determined by The Treasure Valuation Committee.
The Senhouse Museum, located in nearby Maryport, has already expressed interest in acquiring the gold ribbon. The British Museum has estimated its age to be between 1400 and 1500BC, making it a valuable piece of history. The museum, which usually specializes in the later Roman era, is excited to add this Bronze Age artefact to their collection.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time a gold ribbon from the Bronze Age has been discovered in the area. In 2022, a 12-year-old boy named Patrick Hooper found a similar one while out metal detecting with his father. Like David, he almost threw it away, thinking it was just foil. But after realizing its true value, he and his father were able to sell it for £1,000.
It's worth noting that David and Patrick, along with other metal detectorists, have the chance to receive a reward for their discoveries. If the item is deemed a treasure, they can share the reward with the owner of the land where it was found. However, they must first notify the local finds liaison officer, who will then report the discovery to a coroner for further investigation.
In the end, David's decision to take up metal detecting three years ago has led to an incredible discovery. And although it may have just been a sheep tag to some, it has now become a valuable piece of history, thanks to his keen eye and determination. Who knows what other treasures are waiting to be found beneath the surface?
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