The number of treasure finds in London has declined in 2024, highlighting a shift in the geographical distribution of discoveries across the UK. According to provisional figures released by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, just eight pieces of treasure were found in the capital last year, down from 14 in 2023 and 13 in 2022. This downward trend contrasts with other regions, where treasure hunting remains more prolific. Overall, 1,540 treasure items were uncovered across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the vast majority, around 95%, being found through metal detecting. Other methods included archaeological excavations, chance finds, and the niche practice of mudlarking along the River Thames. Despite London’s lower numbers, it still outperformed several other major urban areas, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, which reported no finds at all in 2024.
Regionally, Norfolk continues to dominate the treasure charts, maintaining its position as the leading county for treasure discoveries with 138 finds in 2024, a figure that has consistently topped the rankings for five consecutive years. The East of England region, encompassing Norfolk, Essex, and Suffolk, accounted for a combined total of 388 finds, the highest in the country. Essex and Suffolk themselves ranked highly, with 107 and 85 finds respectively. Other counties notable for treasure hunting included Hampshire with 110 finds, North Yorkshire with 109, Wiltshire and Swindon with 79, Lincolnshire with 76, and Somerset with 51. These figures underscore the pronounced regional disparities in treasure finds, driven by factors such as land use, local history, and archaeological interest.
In London, mudlarking remains a unique and culturally rich facet of treasure hunting. This activity involves searching for historical artefacts along the foreshore of the River Thames, items lost, discarded, or thrown into the river over centuries. The practice dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, where individuals known as mudlarks scavenged the riverbanks for valuable objects to sell. Today, mudlarking is regulated by the Port of London Authority, which issues approximately 4,000 annual permits to search the foreshore. Due to high demand, the waiting list for these permits has surpassed 10,000 people and is currently closed. Mudlarking enthusiasts range from retirees to artists and professionals, who have discovered significant historical items such as Tudor rings and 16th-century pilgrimage badges. These finds contribute to national heritage by being logged in the Portable Antiquities Scheme and displayed in museum exhibitions such as the London Museum’s "Secrets of the Thames", a testament to the historical richness embedded in London’s river.
On a broader scale, treasure hunting across the UK continues to yield remarkable finds. For example, a notable discovery was made in the Shropshire Hills, where a 67-year-old treasure hunter unearthed a 64.8g gold nugget valued at £30,000 despite using a faulty metal detector. Elsewhere, a rare Viking-era hoard was found on the Isle of Man, containing silver coins from the reigns of Edward the Confessor and Viking King Cnut, shedding light on the diverse currency circulation in the Irish Sea region during the 11th century. Additionally, a massive hoard of over 2,500 silver coins dating to the Norman conquest era was discovered in southwest England, now valued at $5.6 million. These finds, often reported to and studied by heritage organisations and museums, underline the ongoing importance of treasure discoveries in understanding the UK’s rich historical tapestry.
The landscape of treasure hunting is thus multifaceted, spanning urban river shores, rural fields, and historic counties, each offering unique insights into the past. While London’s treasure finds have recently waned, the city’s mudlarks remain deeply connected to the Thames and the city’s heritage. Meanwhile, regions like Norfolk and parts of southern England continue to lead in uncovering the UK’s hidden historical treasures.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] (MyLondon) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3
- [2] (Gov.uk) - Paragraphs 1, 2
- [3] (The Independent) - Paragraph 2
- [4] (Le Monde) - Paragraph 3
- [5] (Shropshire Star) - Paragraph 4
- [6] (Reuters) - Paragraph 4
- [7] (Associated Press) - Paragraph 4
Source: Noah Wire Services