DID TREASURE HUNTERS SELL ROMAN TROVE AS SCRAP?
Published on Friday, May 7th 2004 METAL detector enthusiasts who unearthed a large quantity of lead in the Whittonstall area in their quest for treasure weighed it in as scrap. But, in doing so, they may have lost a vital clue in the hunt for information about the Roman occupation of the district. Archaeologists believe the lead may have provided crucial evidence about the Romans involvement in lead and silver mining in the district. They are now appealing for treasure hunters who unearthed any of the lead ingots to come forward. The Northern Archaeology Group has been busy in the Derwent Valley area, close to Wallish Walls farm, and is leading the hunt for information. Group secretary Raymond Selkirk said: Rumour has it that random metal detectorists had found early Roman coins in the vicinity. Information has filtered down to us that the metal detectorists found a very large amount of lead, which they sold as scrap. The amount was so large that it seems as if the detectorists have st
