Following on the from ITV’s “Britain’s Secret Treasures” programme, the Council for British Archaeology have issued an excellent, unequivocal statement on their website.
“The Council for British Archaeology has been working in collaboration with ITV, the British Museum and the Portable Antiquities Scheme on Britain’s Secret Treasures to ensure that everyone fully understands all the issues involved in the search for ‘treasure’ and can seek expert advice and guidance.
That way we can all share our fascination for the history and heritage of the UK and pass on our knowledge and understanding to future generations, whilst protecting the remains in the ground, which are best left undisturbed.
So, if you are thinking of rushing out to buy a metal detector to search an area near you and seek out your very own ‘treasure’, CBA Director Mike Heyworth explains why you should think again.”
new.archaeologyuk.org/news/archaeology-is-about-knowledge-not-treasure
Well I don't mean to be a cynic, but isn't that like trying to have your cake and eating it. Ie being involved in a programme that is obsessed with GOLD UNDER YOUR FEET NOWWWWW and then saying that really archaeology isn't about that sort of treasure after all, it's about things that are much more important and interesting like crappy little bits of pottery and dried up hazelnuts. And even if you find those things you should call an archaeologist. So don't buy a metal detector. Even though IT COULD BE YOU a bit like the national lottery and a bit like those CA$H for GOLD adverts. Is it not like showing kids a big bag of sweets and then telling them a carrot cake is much nicer really. Mixed messages if you ask me. Don't get me wrong, I like a beautiful gold torc as much as the next person. But that's half the problem isn't it, getting blinded by shiny things.
I refer you to Paul Barford for more cynicism
paul-barford.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/britains-secret-treasures-episode-4.html
Yes, fair points. But still better that they (CBA) have come out and said it at all.
Comment from pedant's corner: Just as an aside, not relevant to this discussion, the Thames is tidal in London, so ownership of the river bed is not with the houses on either side. Foreshore is owned by the Crown.
Dunno I can't really imagine what other message a Council for British Archaeology would be wanting to give. Although 3 million people were watching the programme, I'm not sure how many will read their website :)
I don't know about you but I felt the programme quite carefully didn't mention the 'finding' very often (even though the programme is based on 50 items found by members of the public). So I suppose it was discouraging 'treasure hunting' by omission (calling the programme 'treasure' in huge gold letters kind of gives a certain impression though). And having a section about not digging stuff up wouldn't have made very good tv I admit.
Anyway it's nice to see archaeology on mainstream tv innit. And all those superbly interesting things.
You're right that most of the 3 million viewers won't go on the CBA website. More likely to be going to Metal Detectors 4U. Still, I take comfort where I can.
I didn't watch the programme though!
There were some superb objects, and it wasn't just the ones you normally know. Although they did generally spend 2 minutes on them. And some of it was done appallingly like when they inexplicably had Ken Barlow pronouncing about the Ringlemere cup (druids, comparisons to christianity, wtf?). Also there was a slightly frightening bit at the end where they had a table of photos that people had sent in of their own finds. Finds that presumably they hadn't thought to / wanted to report before, and you kind of thought 'bloody hell what else is out there being kept in a shed'.
Strange programme really, just ITV bling, and no inclination or even time to discuss the issues / controversy. But such lovely objects. If most of them were found by metal detecting then it's ridiculous to totally dodge the subject.
Nothing useful or lovely in my shed. Although one day in the far future a knackered Flymo may be the archaeological find du jour.