Data show discoveries of treasure recorded in Northumberland in 2023

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Treasure was found in north Northumberland last year, records show.

Annual coroners statistics from the Ministry of Justice show three treasure discoveries were reported in north Northumberland in 2023, up from two the year before.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Across England and Wales, there were 1,219 reports to coroners of discovered treasure last year, an increase of 12% on 2022 and the highest number on record.

The Ministry of Justice said the number of finds has been steadily increasing since the commencement of the Treasure Act in 1997, when just 54 finds were reported.

The number of treasure finds in England and Wales has hit a record high. (Photo by Clive Gee/PA Radar)The number of treasure finds in England and Wales has hit a record high. (Photo by Clive Gee/PA Radar)
The number of treasure finds in England and Wales has hit a record high. (Photo by Clive Gee/PA Radar)

It added the number has been more "volatile" in recent years, with a significant surge in metal detecting activity during and since the pandemic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Across the North East, 32 finds were recorded last year, an increase from 14 the year before.

Keith Westcott, founder of the Detectorist Institute and Foundation, said: "So much can be learned from treasure finds if handled correctly.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.