A History of the Treasure Act and the Portable Antiquities Scheme

This book tells for the first time the story of how the Treasure Act got through Parliament after years of trying, in the teeth of opposition and – at first - Government indifference, drawing on unpublished documents, many generated by the author. It describes how the Portable Antiquities Scheme originated, which is now an established part of the archaeological landscape.

Roger Bland is uniquely placed to tell the story as he worked on the Treasure Bill, then devised, set up and ran the Portable Antiquities Scheme for 18 years. He retired in 2015 and is now Chair of the Treasure Valuation Committee. This book is published to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Treasure Act being passed. 

Pages: 224
Illustrations: 50 colour illustrations
ISBN: 9781048185157
Published: 20th November 2026

£25.00

 

FINDS IDENTIFIED IV – MATERIALS, MANUFACTURE & DESIGN (AD 400-1700)

he British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme

FINDS IDENTIFIED IV – Materials, Manufacture & Design
(AD 400-1700)

by Kevin Leahy & Michael Lewis


The fourth book in the Finds Identified series continues the story of materials, manufacture and design from the end of Roman Britain to AD 1700, using finds recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme to show how objects changed and developed over 1,300 years.

From the intricate metalwork of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings to medieval jewellery, pilgrim badges and Tudor and Stuart finds, this book explores the materials and methods used to make objects, and the changing styles that help us identify and date them. Brooches, buckles, coins, pottery and glass are considered alongside the art, beliefs and everyday lives of the people who made and used them.

The many supporting photographs and illustrations put the finds in context, revealing the influences of trade, religion and changing fashions. With design taking centre stage, this richly illustrated book provides a fresh way of looking at finds – helping us not just to identify them, but to understand them.

260+ pages, A4, Hardback.


£33.95

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