Surge in metal detecting predicted as Roman helmet sells for £2m

THE CLA has predicted a surge in the number of metal detectorists after a recently discovered Roman helmet made £2m at auction.

The Association is advising landowners to brush up on the law after keen interest by several bidders last week pushed the price for the 2000-year old artefact, discovered on Eric Robinson’s farm at Crosby Garrett in Cumbria last May, way beyond the expected £300,000.

It has published an advisory handbook, Metal Detecting and the Treasure Act 1996, that contains a pro forma metal detecting licence for landowners to use to ensure they maintain their interest in any finds.

It is unclear how much of the sale price went to Mr Robinson, who said the man who found the helmet had been coming to his farm for seven years before hitting the jackpot.

Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North, said: “While such finds are extremely rare, no-one can be certain what is underneath any bit of land, and I’m sure that this element of excitement helps to make the activity so popular.

“I cannot emphasis too strongly the importance of taking professional advice, to avoid costly legal battles in the future, and to discourage trespass.”

* Handbook available from 020 7235 0511 – £15 for members, £22 for non-members.