Hi everyone. Tom here, aka “The Digger of Dorset.” For those of you who might not be familiar, metal detecting is all about patience and the quiet thrill of discovery. Today, I’m going to share a recent outing of mine, exploring the hillside fields in Dorset, just as storm Isha was starting to make its presence felt.
Metal detecting is a way to connect with the past in a very real, hands-on manner. Each item unearthed has its own history, its own story to tell. This particular day started out like any other, albeit with the anticipation of an oncoming storm. With my metal detector and my dog Olive for company, I set out to see what secrets the Dorset countryside had in store for us. Let’s dive into the day’s finds and the stories they revealed.
Early Morning Start: Setting the Scene
The day began early, with the sky over Dorset showing signs of the impending storm Isha. The air was brisk, the kind that wakes you up and keeps you on your toes. As I loaded up my gear, the wind was already starting to pick up, rustling through the trees and across the fields, a prelude to what was coming.
Olive, my loyal four-legged companion, was as eager as ever, though she’s not too fond of cows, which can be a bit of a challenge in the countryside. We’ve had our share of stand-offs with curious cattle, one of which saw me rip my trousers in a desperate attempt to jump a barbed wire fence…
Our destination was a small hilltop field, a spot I’ve had my eye on for a while. There’s something about hilltops that always piques my curiosity. My theory, or perhaps more of a hunch, is that there was once a settlement on top of this hill. It’s these kinds of places, often overlooked, that can hide the most intriguing finds.
So, with the wind as our soundtrack and the storm clouds gathering in the distance, Olive and I set off. The anticipation was tangible; it’s moments like these that metal detecting is all about. The unknown, the history just waiting to be uncovered, and the sheer joy of being out in the midst of nature, even as it shows its wilder side.
The First Finds: Coins and Buckles
The first notable find of the day wasn’t long in coming. After a few routine signals that turned out to be nothing more than scraps of lead, my detector sang out with a clear, promising tone. Digging through the damp soil, I uncovered an old half penny. It was worn and weathered, a small piece of history that had been lying dormant just beneath our feet. It’s always a solid start to the day when you find a coin, no matter how common it might be.
Not far from where the half penny emerged, the detector buzzed again, this time leading me to a broken spectacle buckle. Finding one, even in a broken state, was a good sign. It hinted at the presence of older artifacts, perhaps dating back to medieval times. If there is one particular type of find Olive loves, it’s buckles. Given half the chance she will happily snap it from my hand. What she would do with it is anyone’s guess, but I don’t plan on finding out.
As expected Olive started taking offense to the calfs who, mainly asleep in their hutches were doing absolutely nothing wrong. So we moved back down the hill, the wind was getting more and more fierce., and then the detector picked up another signal. This time, it was a small lead object – a pistol shot. Almost next to the pistol shot, I also unearthed a Tombac button, adding another piece to the day’s growing collection of finds.
Each of these items, in their own way, was a small window into the lives of those who walked these fields before us. The half penny, the buckle, the pistol shot, and the button – each had a story, a journey that had led them to this hillside, to be rediscovered after being lost to time. It was shaping up to be a good day, and the anticipation of what else might be hidden in the soil was growing with every find.
Deeper Discoveries: Buttons and More Coins
As the day unfolded, the wind’s howl became a constant companion, yet it did little to hinder the excitement of the hunt. The next find was a large ‘dandy’ button, nestled deep in the earth. Every signal, especially a deep one was gradually restoring my faith in the Nokta Legend. I had recently updated the firmware after performance issues from a previous update attempt.
The discovery trail continued with a military button. There’s a distinct sense of reverence in uncovering military artefacts; they’re not just personal items but symbols of history, echoing tales of service. This particular button was well-preserved, a Royal Marines Light Infantry button, possibly WW1.
Soon after, my detector signaled the presence of another coin, this time an Edward VII half penny..
But the highlight of the morning was yet to come. I unearthed another spectacle buckle, remarkably with its plate intact. Finding such a complete and well-crafted item is a rare joy in metal detecting. It’s a testament to the skill of its maker and the durability of their work, surviving through the ages.
The Roman Fibula Brooch: A Remarkable Find
Amidst the usual array of objects, my detector suddenly signaled a strong, clear tone. Carefully digging through the soil, I uncovered something truly extraordinary – a Roman fibula brooch. I believe its a ‘dolphin’ type.
The fibula brooch was more than just a decorative item; it was a functional piece used in Roman times to fasten garments. This particular brooch was intact (minus the pin). The craftsmanship was evident in its design and construction, showcasing the skill of its ancient maker. Finding a Roman artifact of this caliber was a reminder of the rich history that lies beneath our feet, waiting to be rediscovered.
This fibula brooch was not just a personal adornment; it was a link to a people that once thrived here nearly 2000 years ago.
My reaction to finding the Roman fibula brooch was a mix of disbelief and excitement. It’s moments like these that metal detectorists dream of – unearthing a piece of history that has been hidden for thousands of years.
It reinforced the reason why I, and many others, are so passionate about detecting. Each signal, each dig, brings the potential of connecting with history in a direct and personal way. The Roman fibula brooch was a testament to the enduring legacy of our ancestors and the enduring fascination of uncovering the past.
Ending on a High Note: The Medieval Beehive Thimble
As the day neared its end, with the storm clouds looming ever closer, I stumbled upon the last find of the day. It was a find that again perfectly encapsulated the essence of metal detecting – the discovery of a medieval beehive thimble. Unearthing such a delicate and personal item was a fitting way to conclude an already remarkable day.
The thimble was in remarkable condition. Its design, characterised the distinctive ‘beehive’ shape, was indicative of the medieval period. The craftsmanship was evident in the detailed work and the deep indentations, which had survived the test of time. This small, yet significant artifact offered a glimpse into the daily life of someone from a now distant era, connecting us to the human aspect of history that often gets lost in the grand narratives.
Reflecting on the day’s finds, from the coins and buttons to the Roman fibula brooch and finally the medieval thimble, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment. Metal detecting is a journey through time, an exploration of the human story etched into the land we walk upon. Each find, whether grand or humble, is a piece of the puzzle that helps us understand our past.
The joy of metal detecting lies in these moments of discovery, in the connection we feel to history when we hold these artefacts in our hands. It’s a reminder that history is not just found in textbooks but is buried beneath our feet, waiting to be uncovered. As I packed up my gear, with Olive once again covered in mud, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the day’s adventures and eager for the next. In the world of metal detecting, every signal has the potential to reveal a new chapter of our shared history, and that’s a truly exciting prospect.
Before you go, if you’ve enjoyed this journey through the fields of Dorset and the treasures we’ve uncovered, please consider giving a thumbs up, subscribing to the channel, and hitting the crotal bell notification icon. That way, you’ll be alerted every time a new video is up, and you won’t miss out on any of our future historical adventures.
Until the next adventure, keep digging and keep discovering. The past is out there, just beneath the surface, waiting for us to uncover its secrets. Happy hunting, and see you next time!