Wealthy metal-detectorist speaks his mind

Ringlemere Farm 1

Kammer Sep 23, 2003 23:10:16

Did anyone else catch 'Hidden Treasure' this evening on BBC2? It was all about the 'Ringlemere Cup', and the guy that found it (a bloke called Cliff Bradshaw). It was entertaining in a way, in a dumbed-down sort of way.

Mr Bradshaw is now rather wealthier than he used to be. It struck me as a bit irresponsible the way he repeatedly expressed the opinion that there's still lots more 'treasure' to be found at the site. There are bound to be hoards of people having a go at the place now. I know it's private land, but would that necessarily stop 'em?

It looked to me like the archaeologist involved with the programme was a bit uncomfortable with it all. At one point, after yet another bit where Cliff started expounding his theories, it looked like the archaeologist was about to say something, but they cut to a different scene before he could get a word in.

I have a feeling that this series has been discussed before on he Forum, so sorry if this is old news. Thought I'd do a bit of grumbling anyway.

Kammer x

Kammer Sep 23, 2003 23:12:58

Replying to Kammer

I just re-read that, and it barely makes sense. I'm sorry.

K x

morfe Sep 23, 2003 23:13:17

Replying to Kammer

The only ring or thing I'm likely to find with money attached is selling my arse to fatwads. bah.

Isn't it the landowners' booty? not the finder's? Or is finder's keepers true wherever?

Grendel Sep 24, 2003 07:36:19

Replying to Kammer

The most annoying thing about the programme is the woman - she's clearly had her brain removed.

Apart from that it is VERY frustrating/irresponsible the way she chases around to make sure the find gets his 'reward' for 'his treasure'. Ultimately the tax payers pays for it (as well as the damn programme!) and se's doing her besat to hike the price.

I'm not saying that if I found a near-£300k mug I'd be as philanthropic as to give it away but I hope I wouldn't expect the full sum.

Just shows how BBC2 is dumbimg down - makes Channel 5's historical programming look good!

Rhiannon Sep 24, 2003 10:06:29

Replying to Kammer

It irked me that they were putting this price on it of ~ 300 grand. Really it's priceless isn't it, because it's one of only two ever discovered in this country. It's a fantastic thing. I liked how they showed how the goldworker made it corrugated. My point is, and you can shout me down, but if I just happened upon it I would either want to hug it to my chest and never let anyone see it, or I'd give it to a local museum so everyone could see it. Ok so a few grand would sort out a lot for me, like a house. But it's not really WORTH anything is it? It's kind of worthless and priceless at the same time. What am I getting at? I don't know. Just that while metal detectorists are paid ludicrous amounts for priceless treasures then they're going to carry on digging things up all over the place and ermm. I'm not being snobbish, I just think we should be more civilised than to trash ancient sites in the hope of finding *treasure* for the money. But the cup would probably not have been found without this attitude. and it's cool that we can see it now. Hmm.

(I'll shut up now)