Treasure hunter unearths Bronze Age axe heads in field

Finder Jason Fallon was in a field in Lindley, Huddersfield last August when his machine indicated the presence of metal.

At a depth of around 10 inches Mr Fallon found three axe heads fashioned from bronze.

They were later examined by experts at the British Museum who dated them to the late Bronze Age, around 1,000-800BC.

The finds were revealed yesterday at an inquest held in Huddersfield but the exact location 
of the field remains a closely guarded secret to prevent the area being inundated with treasure hunters.

Coroner’s officer Steve Hepplestone told the hearing that Mr Fallon had found the axe heads on arable land at a depth of around 10 inches.

The axe heads had previously been disturbed by ploughing, the hearing was told.

Mr Fallon had taken his finds to a local museum whose staff had then contacted the Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service.

The British Museum assessed the finds and yesterday West Yorkshire coroner Dr Dominic Bell declared them treasure and belonging to the Crown.

Both the finder and the landowner have waived their right to a reward.

The value of the axe heads has not been disclosed but is not believed to be high.

The inquest heard that Kirklees Museums has expressed an interest in acquiring and displaying the finds.

Similar items have been made in Huddersfield over the years, including a 4,000-year-old axe head found at Clayton West in 2010.