I was one of those who was detecting back in the 1970's when a 'pipe finders licence' as it was then called was required to detect legally. This was finally dropped when the radio licence was abolished from memory. I personally can't see the point in re introducing it as the rouges who detect illega...

I'm OK then Lee, I have brown hair (albeit with a bit of grey here and there).

Interesting read Lee but always remember the academics always said the Neanderthals were wiped out by Cromagnam man but with the advances in DNA they have found strands of Neanderthal in modern British people especially in the North of the country. Makes you think!!!

We went in July Lee and even went up Vesuvius in 90+ degrees. It was a bit on the toasty side!!!!!

Thanks for posting the link Lee. I went to Pompeii with my wife many years ago and spent the whole day from opening to closing wandering about. It is a fascinating place to visit along with Herculanium. We stayed in Sorrento and it is only a short trip by train to Pompeii with the train station righ...

Having spent 15 years as lifeboat crew and station manager then a further 7 years as an auxiliary coastguard the feeling in both services is they would rather attend a mistaken report of a person in difficulties than not attend a real incident that could end in a fatality. It is only the hoax calls ...

Only two finds I have had in this way were a Scottish Charles 1st turner (equivalent to the English rose farthing) In really good readable condition from my garden and a Scottish ecclesiastical farthing of James 3rd minted 1460-80 once again readable condition in a local park flower bed where it was...

Many thanks for the link to an interesting story Lee. It comes as no surprise to me that sub Sahara people found their way to the areas controlled by the Roman empire as modern discoveries show far more movement of people and goods than was ever realised in the recent past. I certainly think that a ...

I have over the years been involved with archaeologists with surveys of historic sites and never had a feeling they regarded me as inferior, in fact many appreciated my input. What seems to be overlooked is this article was written by a journalist who true to type has two main aims. 1- to see her na...

I live 23 miles East of Edinburgh and the whole area (including my home town) is riddled with extinct volcanos and related volcanic activity but they have no chance of becoming active now (so the geologists say !!!!!)

I meet up with Derek at quite a few digs and he is a really genuinely nice guy who is a font of knowledge, generous with his time and advice to any who approach him.

I was on the dig when this seal was discovered. An amazing find and of truly historic note!! With regard to Scottish law any man made object manufactured before 1707 must be reported to the Treasure Trove unit and they then inform the Queens Lord Treasurers office who decide if it will be claimed by...

Be a good few weeks yet here in South Scotland !!

Fascinating stuff!! Many thanks for the post Puffin

We tend to forget the child mortality rate in years gone by. On doing my family research I found out in the early 19th Century out of 12 children only 2 made it to puberty in my family!! So sad