'TREASURE' FOUND IN WARWICKSHIRE

A SILVER brooch dating back around seven centuries found in Warwickshire, has been deemed ‘treasure.’

It was found by Chris Matthews in the Wolverton area, as he was out with a metal detector on land belonging to David Mann.

An inquest was held last Thursday at Leamington Town Hall where the item, a gilt brooch that is 2.5cm across, was confirmed as official treasure.

This means the item, which dates back to the 13th or 14th century, belongs to the Crown.

The item is yet to be valued, but is expected to fetch hundreds of pounds.

Sara Wear, of the Warwickshire Museum Service, has confirmed that the Market Hall venue in
Warwick, is interested in displaying the piece.

She said: “The usual process is if something is found that appears to be more than 300 years’ old it is deemed to be treasure.

“It goes down to the British Museum where they have a special coroner’s report, and see how much more they can find out about the item.

“They judge how important the piece is, then local museums are asked if they are interested in acquiring it.

“The brooch has gone to the Treasure Evaluation Committee in London that is made up of experts and auctioneers that are familiar with the antiques market and put a full market value on the object.

“Once the land owner and museum have agreed the price, the museum can then begin to raise funds to obtain the item.

“The money is usually given as a reward to the person who found it, and to the landowner which is normally a 50 per cent split.”