Here are a group of American detectorists in a Norfolk field ten years ago. They paid £2,200 excluding air fares to be there. Numerous similar “detecting holidays” have been held throughout Britain for nearly 40 years.

.

.

 “The experts are keen to have the help of responsible detectorists to help them piece together Norfolk’s history“ said one organiser, although we haven’t heard any archaeologist or archaeological bodies saying that and we’re confident that Chuck, Errol and Arnie are there to help themselves more than  Britain.

In any case, the group of people who have benefitted most from selling about 100,000 heritage prospecting days over 4 decades are the salesmen. We calculate they’ve taken about £20 million. It’s to be hoped the pending metal detecting reforms will involve the discouragement of this unique-to-Britain trade.

.

.

__________________________________________
More Heritage Journal views on artefact collecting
__________________________________________