Treasure discoveries: Inquest completes on medieval brooch (From Dorset Echo)

Treasure discoveries: Inquest completes on medieval brooch

12:30pm Friday 3rd June 2011 in News

A MEDIEVAL brooch discovered on farmland has been declared as treasure.

West Dorset coroner Michael Johnston opened a treasure inquest into the finding of the silver brooch at Dorset County Hall in Dorchester.

The inquest heard how David Cobb of Bournemouth found the brooch, which dates to between the 14th and 15th centuries. Mr Cobb made the discovery last May 12 while metal detecting on land near Blandford. It measures 17.34mm by 17.31mm.

Claire Pinder, senior archaeologist at Dorset County Council, said: “I can understand why the local museum has expressed an interest in acquiring it. It’s a lovely little thing and a beautiful shape. Apart from the fact that the pin is missing, it is complete. It’s very charming.”

At the inquest, Mr Johnston asked Mr Cobb whether he was excited by his discovery.

Mr Cobb said: “I am. I knew straight away what it was and I handed it in straight away.”