Heading west from Merston the motorway carves through more of Surrey’s rural acres, running parallel to and just north of, the North Downs Way for several miles.
The greatest obstacle detectorists have to face throughout this Surrey stretch is the proliferation of golf courses close to the M25. Nevertheless potential for good finds remains. Worked flint tools have come to light around Reigate Hill, a popular spot for drivers who take motorway breaks via Junction 8 to enjoy views from the North Downs escarpment. Arable fields on the northern side of the motorway, especially around Lower Kingswood have produced some interesting Mesolithic flint tools and weapons including an axe-adze, a pointed handaxe, and various flint blades.
Building stone was quarried from the escarpment over hundreds of years and carried to London by cart, packhorse, or even in shallow-draught vessels on the River Mole. It is worth a search for lost tools and other quarrying relics. Fossils, including ammonites, can also be found.
Occasional finds of 1st-4th century coins, a Roman ring, and other artefacts on patches of arable within half a mile of Reigate Hill confirm Romano-British activities in the area. The site of a Roman villa now lies beneath a wood within the angle formed by Gatton Park Road and Wray Lane. Any nearby arable would be worthy of permission-seeking efforts.
Moving a little westward on the northern flanks of the motorway we reach the shrunken hamlet of Mogador on Banstead Heath. In medieval times this was a major centre in a highly profitable fleece producing region that supplied illustrious customers such as the Pope and many of the crowned heads of Europe with some of the finest wool in Christendom. The ground must now be rich in hammered silver and 12th-15th century artefacts; but unfortunately very little earth feels the bite of a ploughshare nowadays, being given over to a golf course, horse gallops and grass as far as the eye can see. Perhaps farming practises will change in the post-Brexit world in which we have to grow our own food.
Denne historien er fra June 2017-utgaven av Treasure Hunting magazine.
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Denne historien er fra June 2017-utgaven av Treasure Hunting magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New Detector Network – ‘A Treasure Unearthed for Detectorists'
www.detectornetwork.com is a new online platform that has recently been launched for both beginners and experienced detectorists to share their finds, advice and learn even more about this exciting hobby.
Only a Bit of Lead
As in common with most people, when asked if they have found anything, the reply can often be “Oh, only a bit of lead.”
My Great Uncle Joseph's Anglo-Saxon Sword
My Great Uncle Joseph’s Anglo-Saxon Sword
Roman Lead Ingot Update
I would just like to update readers of Treasure Hunting magazine with some further information about the Roman lead ingot I found back in September 2019.
The Westbury Sub-Mendip Roman Hoard
The Westbury Sub-Mendip Roman Hoard
The Family Hoard
It was the end of the second week of the school summer holidays in 2019.
Remembering the 1970s
Remembering the 1970s
No More Moon Boots?
In more than four decades of detecting, the weather and varying soil conditions have all had a huge influence on the level of my enjoyment of this noble hobby.
My A-Z of Detecting
Part 1: A-G
Lost and Found?
There have been several instances over my long detecting career where, not only has it has been a delight to be able to help people who have lost things, but also a great thrill when such losses are returned to their owners. I have several memories of such occurrences.
