Treasure: Finding Our Past

This book looks at some key finds of British history, all with a unique story to tell. They include spectacular new discoveries such as the Amesbury Archer and the Winchester gold jewellery, and older finds such as the Mildenhall treasure and coin hoards of the English Civil Wars. It also discusses the small, seemingly insignificant objects from the past - jewellery, clothing accessories and toys, for example - which can tell us just as much about the daily lives of our ancestors as the more glamorous discoveries. Throughout the book, the vital role played by members of the public, from farmers to amateur metal detectorists, in shaping our knowledge of the past is also emphasised. They have found treasure in variety of ways - by chance, in the course of working the land, or sometimes even as a result of dreams and visions. They range from responsible finders, such as the man who found the earliest stone axe ever recovered from mainland Britain, to those who have sought to exploit our precious past for their own gain, such as the 'nighthawks' who raided the Wanborough Roman temple. Illustrated with over 100 images of some of the most spectacular objects and their finders, Treasure is a fascinating insight into the ongoing process of discovering our past.