British Museum hails record-breaking year for archaeological discoveries – thanks largely to metal detectorists
A hoard of pennies linked to Harold II and most likely buried on the eve of battle in 1066, a rare Roman vehicle fitting, and a group of early medieval objects are among the archaeological finds and treasure discovered in Britain in 2024.
It was a record-breaking year for archaeological and treasure finds in Britain, with the highest number recorded in a single year – thanks in large part to metal detectorists.
Figures released by the British Museum on Tuesday showed finds reported by the public accounted for 94% of the total, marking a significant increase over the past three years.
Metal detecting has surged in popularity, and the museum said the finds demonstrated the contribution made by members of the public to documenting and preserving the nation’s history.
