Museums

The Portable Antiquities scheme

Northampton Museums and Art Gallery supports schemes to enable access to heritage and collections including the Portable Antiquities scheme. This scheme records metal detectorist finds across the country and where possible helps Museums to keep objects in public ownership. Archaeologists working with metal detectorists are substantially increasing their knowledge of Northamptonshire.

The Finds Liaison Officer

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery were alerted to the discovery by the Finds Liaison Officer (FLO). After reporting the hoard to the FLO a report was submitted to the coroner and the hoard declared 'treaure' according to the Treasure Act 1996. The museum was then able to put in a expression of interest in acquiring the hoard. The hoard travelled to the British Museum where it was valued by experts. Once the valuation was known the hoard was purchased through the scheme.

Portable antiquities scheme

Why acquire the hoard?

The hoard contributes to the story of Northampton, an important medieval town, and the supporting rural landscape.

Head of Henry VI depicted on one of the coins from the hoard.

Head of Henry VI depicted on a coin.

With changed unitary boundaries it is important that the museum shaes south and west Northants stories alogside that of the town. Hoards are fascinating and it is intriguing to speculate how and why these coins were lost. Many of us know what it is like to loose something valuable and the associated frustration.