NO treasure was reported in Southampton last year, despite nearly 1,000 discoveries in England and Wales.

There were no finds reported to the Southampton and New Forest Coroner's Court, which holds treasure inquests.

This is according to figures from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) from 2021.

No treasure was also found the year before, but 89 discoveries have been made in the area since 1995 when records began.

Anyone who discovers something they think is treasure must report their finding to the coroner within two weeks.

If you do not do this, you can be handed an unlimited fine or up to three months in prison.

The court then holds an inquest to decide who should keep it.

All potential treasure discoveries are processed by the British Museum, and experts from the museum advise coroners on whether the find fits the definition of treasure.

If a coroner rules that it is treasure, local and national museums are given the chance to acquire the pieces, and the finder will be paid a sum depending on the treasure's value.

But if the find is determined not to be treasure or no museums want it, it is returned to the treasure hunter.

A record number of treasure discoveries were found in 2019. There were 1,061 in 2019 across England and Wales.

Last year, 908 finds were reported.

There was more treasure found in Norfolk last year than anywhere else across England and Wales, with 87 finds.

The MoJ said the number of finds varies between different areas, most likely due to "geographical and historical differences".

Keith Westcott, founder of the Institute of Detectorists, said: "Beyond the fascination which surrounds treasure and monetary rewards, is an important value of detecting finds, a historical value which provides a valuable insight into our past.

"Often though, the archaeological record which surrounds the find, the information that gives it context, is damaged or ignored."

He encouraged amateurs to follow responsible metal detecting and leave important finds in place ready to be excavated by archaeologists.

The Treasure Act defines treasure as discoveries older than 300 years.

These include coins, prehistoric metallic objects and artefacts that are at least 10 per cent precious metal such as gold or silver.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook