Gold artefact uncovered in Glinton field by jewellery designer and son who were holidaying in Lincolnshire from Portugal
A mysterious gold artefact - believed to be Anglo Saxon - was unearthed by a jeweller and his son during a metal detecting holiday in the area.
Andrew Geoghegan and his 12-year-old son, Arthur, left their home in Portugal with the aim of finding treasure during a four-day holiday in Lincolnshire - but they found that and a mystery thanks to friends from the Digging History group.
The pair had managed to unearth a 2.5cm artifact, which Andrew believes is made of almost pure gold, within in a field in Glinton on their final day.
But mystery now surrounds what the item was and this has been passed onto Peterborough Museum’s Find Liaison Officer (FLO) by Martin Stokes, of Digging History.
Andrew, who hails from Leeds, said: “It was crazy as we wanted to find treasure. I said to the person next to me on the plane that we were going to find gold.
“We went out to find coins but to come up with something like that was bananas.”
A fascination to uncover something unseen has sparked an interest in metal detecting for Andrew, who has been enjoying the hobby since he was five.
And he wanted to share this interest with his son.
He said: “I am inspired by history and the possibility of finding something that was buried. Makes you wonder how it got there and what was it used for.”
Andrew had put out an appeal for help over official metal detecting social media groups but ended up in this area thanks to Martin and Digging History members.
Initially the duo enjoyed a few days at a Digging History - which is now one of the largest metal detecting groups in the country - event in Quadring.
Andrew and Arthur rounded off their trip with a day at a field in Glinton, which had been arranged by Martin with a friend.
“It was the last day of our trip, and the detector gave a low signal that usually means iron or modern scrap. But for some reason, I decided to dig - and as soon as I saw the gold glinting in the soil, my focus became razor-sharp. It was an incredible moment. A lost piece of history had just resurfaced.
“I almost left it behind but something internally told me to dig it up.”
“I have found things before but never anything like that - it was amazing.”
Andrew says that they have definitely uncovered a mystery with this object and believes it could be part of a chape, which is the end of a scabbard.
It is also believed to be made of 20-23ct gold, due to the richness of the colour.
The jewellery designer said: “We are not sure if it is Anglo Saxon but it is down to the FLO to make their investigations.
“It is totally inspiring all of my designs now with the intricacy of it.
“It has had a massive effect on me, it was very beautiful. My son and I were there to treasure hunt but we have also shared something special.”
The artifact has also baffled others.
Martin said: “We don’t know what it is. When I handed it into the FLO at Peterborough Museum, she was unsure and was going to put it on a forum to see what it was.
“The designs on it were lovely and it could be Saxon.
“We are keen to find history and this is part of history. It is nice when we find an artifact.”
This trip has inspired Martin to look at holding metal detecting holiday to Wales to raise money for the group’s chosen charity - Combat Stress.
“With this hobby, I want to see people enjoy it and have a good time. It was really nice to help a father and son have that time together,” he added.
Andrew has also thanked the Digging History group and Martin for their help.
He said: “Martin was brilliant - he is a lovely chap. He was very welcoming and supportive and genuine - there are not many people like him.”
Martin is also putting out an appeal for Martin is also putting out an appeal to local farmers to allow the group to hire their land.
If you could help email digginghistoryuk@outlook.com
