Increasing amounts of treasure being found across Cheshire

The Treasure Act, introduced in 1997, defines treasure as discoveries older than 300 years.

This includes coins, prehistoric metallic objects and artefacts that are made of at least 10 per cent precious metal, such as gold or silver.

Metal detecting increased as a result of the pandemic (Image: Canva)

New figures released by the Ministry of Justice show that the number of cases related to treasure heard at coroner's court - the coroner is responsible for holding inquests relating to treasure inquests.

The figures show that 18 treasure inquests were heard at Cheshire Coroner's Court in 2022, up from 11 in the previous year - marking an increase of more than 63 per cent in one year.

Over the past decade, nearly 100 treasure finds were reported to the relevant authorities.

Keith Westcott, founder of the Institute of Detectorists, said: "It was definitely the lockdown periods that brought the idea and interest of metal detecting to a lot of people who were sat at home, all day indoors thinking of what would give them a reason to get outdoors."

He added: "Probably as little as 10 per cent of what's found is recorded, so a dramatic improvement in that is needed if interest continues to grow.

"People see these finds as objects of interest, but in reality, it is part of an archeologic record of the area it was found in.

"There has to be an understanding of the context around whatever is found."

A 700-year-old ring was found in Houghton Green in 2016, by Patricia Richmond near Peel Hall Farm.

The ring was determined to be from the 14th century (Image: Newsquest)

Warrington Coroner’s Court determined that the ring probably dated back to the 14th century; Patricia said: "The field had just had potatoes taken out the night before so we spoke to the farmer’s father who said they were going to plough it, so we went really early before they were ready to start ploughing.

“As luck would have it I found the ring.

“I was very calm actually – I just don’t get excited, I’d have a heart attack otherwise."

The Ministry of Justice said the number of treasure finds reported steadily increased from 1997 when the Treasure Act was introduced, up to 2017.

Since 2018 the number has been 'more volatile' and was impacted by Covid-19 restrictions in recent years.

It added: "There has been a big surge in metal detecting activity during (and also since) the pandemic."

The Treasure Act is set for an update which will see 'treasure' redefined as an object that is more than 200 years old, as opposed to the current definition of more than 300 years old.