THREE treasure hunters who discovered what became known as the Burton Hoard in a farmer’s field near Rossett in 2004 have struck gold again – in practically the same spot.
Metal detector enthusiasts Joseph Perry, Billy May and Pete Skelly from Huyton, Liverpool unearthed their latest Bronze Age find in 2007.
The latest finds are a pure gold bead and wire piece dating from the same period as the hoard.
They could pocket the Liverpudlian trio more cash on top of the hoard which netted them an £85,000 reward shared with farmer Derry Willis.
The objects were discovered in Mr Willis’ freshly ploughed field on August 26, 2007.
For three consecutive weekends the trio metal-detected continuously until the final Sunday when Joseph got a signal less than 10 square metres from the original find.
He knew he was onto something significant when he recognised the signal.
“Digging down just 2in the two gold-looking items suddenly appeared,” said Joseph. “It was a fantastic feeling. I found them this time but we work as team. I’ve known Pete and Billy for 30 years as social workers in Liverpool.
“We’ve become close because we share a passion for treasure hunting. We also belong to the South Lancashire and Cheshire Metal Detecting Club.”
After showing the latest find to Mr Willis, Joseph phoned the National Museum of Wales and the objects were sent to the Coroners Office.
Deputy coroner for North East Wales declared the two gold objects as treasure at a December inquest.
A National Museum of Wales metal analysis confirmed both have more than 90% gold content.
Experts indicate they were buried, probably with the hoard, sometime between early to middle Bronze Age, 1,100BC and 1,600BC.
Their value won’t be established for another few months.
In the meantime Billy, Pete and Joseph are looking forward to returning to the field and continuing their quest when Mr Willis ploughs it again in two years time.
Speaking after the inquest, Joseph added: “I’d like to thank Mr Willis and the other landowners for their hospitality over the years.
“They’ve looked after us with cups of tea and have even phoned us when the field is being ploughed.”
The addition to the Burton Hoard has now prompted the National Museum of Wales to commission a survey of the field which could lead to further discoveries.
