Roman treasure found on Clifton farmland

A 72-YEAR-OLD woman found a piece of Roman treasure on farmland near Clifton.

Alice Wright found the small gold leaf while using her metal detector in the Clifton area on March 23.

The leaf was declared as treasure trove, meaning she may receive a reward for her find, at an inquest in Nottingham.

Mrs Wright, from Littleover in Derby, has sent the object to the British Museum, and another museum is interested in acquiring it.

The Roman votive leaf is believed to date back to sometime between the first and fourth century.

Coroner Dr Nigel Chapman said: "The object was incomplete and folded to suggest that it had been removed from its original temple context.

"It is characteristic of Roman votive plaques that were dedicated at temples and shrines in Britain."

He congratulated Mrs Wright on finding the treasure and sending it on to the British Museum.

He said: "I always say to people that, while they could possibly sell it on the black market for more, it's our history – it's our past and it should not be lost and it should be kept in museums."

Mrs Wright has used a metal detector to hunt for treasure for the past 35 years and this is her third find.

Speaking after the inquest, she said she was shocked to learn that the tiny leaf was a piece of treasure. She said: "It was so small and then we unfolded it and realised it was something ancient. We've got no idea how much it is worth – it's only little."

Her husband David, 71, said: "The next step is a valuation, but that could be in a few months."

samantha.hughes@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk