Medieval strap ruled treasure

A CORONER has surprisngly ruled that a ninth-century artefact discovered in Church Lawton is treasure.

The copper 'strap end' with silver rivets – which would have been used in medieval clothing – was found on August 1 last year.

Medieval Strap-end with Silver Rivets

The finder, Pat McCarthy of the South Lancs and Cheshire Metal Detecting Club, did not attend an inquest at Warrington Coroner's Court yesterday.

But Alan Moore, deputy coroner for Cheshire, ruled the find was treasure following a report from the British Museum.

The Treasure Act was put together in the early 1990's, it was a requirement that for an object to be classed as treasure it must contain at least 10% by weight of precious metal (gold or silver) .

However Ian Richardson of the British Museum says 'rivets have been recorded on their own and

therefore it is reasonable to consider that they are 'distinct components' and therefore fall under

the act'.

The court heard the item, which measured around 41mm by 13mm and weighed 4g, featured two silver rivets and an animal design with a glass bead.

The British Museum will now be given the opportunity acquire the find, which dates back to Viking times.