Treasure finds by metal detectors hit record high in Sussex

Statistics for West Sussex showed that 35 treasure finds were recorded in the county, the highest number since records began.

Finds in East Sussex are also on the rise with 17 treasure finds reported in 2022.

Data collected by the Department of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum shows that there were 23 more finds last year than in 2021 in Sussex.

The figures for West Sussex are also the highest since records began in 1997.

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A rise in figures comes as the number of metal detectorists continues to grow across the country according to the Institute of Detectorists.

The South East of England also held onto its title as the country’s buried treasure hotspot with 349 finds last year, accounting for 25% of all treasure finds.

Figures for 2021 show that 96% of treasure finds nationally were discovered by metal detecting, 3% were archaeological finds and 1% were chance finds or were found via mudlarking -  scavenging in mud for items of value, 

Separately, a Department for Culture, Media and Sport survey in 2022-23 found an estimated 1% of adults in England said they had taken part in metal detecting at least once in the 12 months prior to the survey.