Metal Detectorist Unearths Rare 1,000-Year-Old Golden Pendant Near Downton Abbey Site
The Anglo-Saxon artifact, believed to symbolize the hand of God, was discovered by Nick Berry in Hampshire.
A metal detectorist has discovered a rare 1,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon golden pendant in a field near the real-life setting of Downton Abbey.
Nick Berry, 58, found the jewel on farmland in the village of Ashmansworth, Hampshire, a few miles from Highclere Castle, which serves as the primary setting for the television drama. Experts believe the pendant symbolizes the hand of God and was likely dropped by its owner, remaining undiscovered for over a millennium as no other items were found with it.
Mr. Berry, a carer, made the discovery during an organized metal detecting rally. "I got a really good signal. I dug down and looked into the hole and saw straight away the glint of gold," he recounted. "I carefully pulled it out of the ground and as I did I had a really strange feeling and felt quite emotional."
He described the moment of discovery: "Then I gently brushed away the loose soil and there in my hand, ironically, was a hand. I just stared at it. I knew straight away it was something very different and could tell it was Anglo–Saxon."
Despite having metal detected for over 30 years, Mr. Berry stated he had "never seen anything like it." He described it as "the find of a lifetime."
The artifact, measuring 32mm long and 10mm wide and weighing 1.6g, is described as "very high carat." Experts suggest it may not have been made in England but originated from the East due to its style. It is believed to have belonged to a high-status individual and was likely worn around the neck as a talisman.
Mr. Berry, from Northampton, reported the find to his local Finds Liaison Officer. The pendant is now with the British Museum, which has declared it treasure to be saved for the nation due to its uniqueness. It is believed to date to the early medieval Anglo-Saxon period, likely the ninth or tenth centuries.
Julian Evan-Hart, editor of Treasure Hunting magazine, noted the find's uniqueness and its likely mid–Anglo–Saxon period origin. "The hand has often been symbolically related to Christianity and features as 'The Hand of God' on several late Saxon/Viking period silver coins and later ecclesiastical artwork," Evan-Hart said. "In this case it would seem likely that this too represents a 'Hand of God' manufactured in the form of a gold pendant."
Mr. Berry anticipates he will not get the pendant back, with the British Museum expected to retain it. He is uncertain of its monetary value but noted its high carat content.
