Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-v9fdk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-10T19:49:54.200Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

A pragmatic approach to the problem of portable antiquities: the experience of England and Wales

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 March 2015

Roger Bland*
Affiliation:
Portable Antiquities Scheme

Abstract

Thousands of artefacts are found every year by the public the world over, and many are sold or destroyed. How are we to ensure that these discoveries can take their place in archaeological research (Editorial, December 2004)? For some, legislation, state control and strong penalties are the best or only option. Here, the co-ordinator of the English Portable Antiquities Scheme makes the case for a voluntary code, led by co-operation, education and reward.

Type
Debate
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd. 2005

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Bland, R. 1996. Treasure trove and the case for reform. Art, Antiquity and Law I (February 1996): 1126.Google Scholar
Bland, R. 1998. The Treasure Act and the proposal for the voluntary recording of all archaeological finds. Museums in the Landscape: Bridging the Gap, Society of Museum Archaeologists. The Museum Archaeologist, vol. 23: 319. Conference proceedings, St Albans 1996 (1998).Google Scholar
Brodie, N., Doole, J. & Watson, P.. 2000. Stealing history. The illicit trade in cultural material. Cambridge: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, ICOM UK and Museums Association.Google Scholar
Darvill, T. & Fulton, A.K.. 1998. MARS: The Monuments at Risk Survey of England, 1995. Main Report. Bournemouth: Bournemouth University and English Heritage.Google Scholar
Department for Culture, Media and Sport. 2004a. Dealing in Tainted Cultural Objects – Guidance on the Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003. London.Google Scholar
Department for Culture, Media and Sport. 2004b. Treasure Annual Report 2002. London.Google Scholar
Department of National Heritage. 1996. Portable antiquities. A discussion document. London.Google Scholar
Department of National Heritage. 1997. The Treasure Act 1996. Code of Practice (England and Wales) (revised in 2002). London.Google Scholar
Dobinson, C. & Denison, S.. 1995. Metal detecting and archaeology in England. English Heritage/Council for British Archaeology.Google Scholar
Green, B. & Gregory, T.. 1978. An initiative on the use of metal detectors in Norfolk. Museums Journal 77 (4): 161–2.Google Scholar
Hawkshead Archaeology and Conservation. 2004. Review of the Portable Antiquities Scheme 2004. Lancaster.Google Scholar
Hill, G.F. 1936. Treasure trove in law and practice. Oxford.Google Scholar
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. 2004. Portable Antiquities Scheme. Annual Report 2003/04. London.Google Scholar
Normand, A.C. 2003. Review of Treasure Trove Arrangements in Scotland. Edinburgh: Scottish Executive.Google Scholar
Saville, A. 2000. Portable antiquities and excavated finds in Scotland. Institute of Field Archaeologists Yearbook and Directory of Members 2000: 312.Google Scholar
Scottish Executive. 2003. The Reform of Treasure Trove Arrangements in Scotland. The Scottish Executive’s Response to the Normand Review. 1 October 2003. Edinburgh.Google Scholar