Blantyre Project reader Martin Weir has shared several photos and information over the years about many of his interesting metal detectorist finds. It’s a real passion of his, uncovering history and it never ceases to amaze me what he’s found in and immediately around the Blantyre area.
Pushing back the boundaries of time in this area with Mesolithic and Bronze Age finds, arrowheads and sword handles! His latest find however, is rather special and as always, was treated with the utmost of care and professionalism.
Martin’s equipment unearthed what appears to be a hammered silver penny from the reign of King Henry III! Dublin mint, produced around…wait for it…… 1251 to 1254 and in his words, was one of the oldest coins he has ever found.
Found on land in High Blantyre, Martin told me, “It was a great feeling knowing I was the first person to hold it for maybe 800 years.”
We’ll never know how one solitary old coin ended up where it did, but we can speculate. Perhaps something to do with an army coming across to Bothwell Castle or the Priory, or to do with close quarters to Drumsagard, or dropped accidentally amongst the construction earthworks of a nearby old property? Incredible to think who may have held it and what it was exchanged for!
It’s a great find and I for one look forward to see what Martin will find next!
Hi Paul, I also have taken up this fantastic hobby. Would it be possible to put me in touch with Martin as I would like to get some pointers on best practices and where to start with metal detecting.
Garry,
Well done👍🏻