About

Portable Antiquities Scheme

Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)

What is the Portable Antiquities Scheme?

The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is run by the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales to encourage the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales. Every year many thousands of archaeological objects are discovered, many of these by metal detector users, but also by people whilst out walking, gardening or going about their daily lives. Finds recorded with the Scheme help advance knowledge of the history and archaeology of England and Wales (the PAS finds database can be found here). The Scheme consists of locally-based Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs) whose job is to liaise with finders and record their finds.

Who is my local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO)?

Meghan King is the Finds Liaison Officer for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

Megan Gard is the Finds Liaison Officer for Rutland & Leicestershire. Up-to-date details of all the staff working for the PAS can be found here.

What do they need to know?

FLOs are interested in seeing all archaeological objects and coins that you have found, but need to be selective in what they record. Finds will be borrowed from you, but will be returned once they have been identified and recorded. It is important that you supply a precise National Grid Reference (at least to 6-figures) for all finds, as without a location, they have little archaeological value. Under the Treasure Act 1996, finders must by law report finds of potential Treasure: the definition of Treasure can be found here. It is normally the case that such finds are reported to the relevant FLO, who is able to provide further advice and guidance on the process.”