"Context, from an archaeological perspective, relates to the depth and relative positions of buried objects in an undisturbed environment, and it provides valuable information about their age and use. The key phrase, however, is ‘in an undisturbed environment’. The vast majority of land searched by metal detectorists is cultivated agricultural land, and the objects recovered are from the ploughsoil."

Context also refers to the find in relation to other finds in the locale. One person hoicks a Romand Brooch out of the ground and bungs it in a drawer. Next weekend, someone else comes along and does the same thing. One of these people lives in Daventry, the other is visiting from Ludlow because all his favourite sites are "stripped out". They never meet; don't belong to the same club, report to the same FLO (if they do at all). As far as history is concerned - as far as cultural continuity is concerned - everything is shrapnel, disseminated indifference. Licencing is the only way to enforce a mandatory responsibility in your hobby.

By the way. It's easy to get on here, isn't it? Getting on to MD'ing Fora is subject to controls, advisory e-mails, and draconian measures more akin to the KGB. Is it any wonder that you don't exactly get a good press?

Peace

Pilgrim

X