The history of our nation is infinite and stretches back in the midst of time. The period once known as ‘The Dark Ages’ has gradually been brought into the light and is now classified as the early Medieval period from the year 400-1066. One of the main reasons for this is what has been unearthed by detectorists beneath our feet. Throughout the ages of man Norfolk has, and still is, rich in finds that have shown us how our ancestors lived. Being close to the low countries East Anglia would have been a centre for trade and settlement. During the year 2024/5 Norfolk recorded more archaeological finds than in the whole of England.
First, we held flints of varying sizes and weights, these primitive tools fashioned by the skills of our ancestors were important for survival, to touch and hold such treasures which have laid beneath our feet for thousands of years is something special, flints are ‘not everyone’s cup of tea’ as Graeme our speaker pointed out, but they make up an important piece in the jigsaw from our past. Until the introduction of metals the working of flints was vital to carry out everyday tasks. Passed around next was a weighty box of lead shot, picked up and dug up all over Norfolk; these lead balls of varying sizes have their own stories to tell, they perhaps missed their intended targets and have laid for centuries keeping the secrets of their owners intentions.
Walking across a field in Cantley a medal had come to the surface, after being cleaned it became obvious that it had Edward VII depicted on it. Following much research it has been revealed that this was a medal presented to a soldier during the Boar war. The soldier signed up to the rifle brigade in 1891 and had served in several battles until his retirement in 1902. Born in Wells-Next-the-Sea he married and died in 1939 and was buried in Drayton, having no children and as far as is known no living relatives, the medal remains in the safe keeping of its finder. Of course, the question is why did it turn up in a field in Cantley, we will probably never know but these are the mysteries of the past.
The last item which again, by accident, shone from the ground, was a fragment of a 14th century Gunters quadrant these were used as astronomical instruments used for timekeeping and navigation. What a find!