14th century belt mount discovered by Barry resident is declared treasure
By Ellyn Wright
31st Mar 2021 | Local News
An item discovered in Treguff has been declared treasure.
The Assistant Coroner for South Wales Central, Mr Thomas Atherton, recently declared nine items found by metal detectorists as treasure, one of which was found in the Vale of Glamorgan village.
Barry resident Paul Gough found the medieval silver bar-mount on land in Treguff two years ago, after he got permission from the landowner through his removal job.
The item dates back to the thirteenth or fourteenth century and would have decorated a leather belt.
"I didn't know what I was looking at, at first," said Paul.
"I keep two compartments in my car, one of rubbish and one with good bits. I originally put it with the rubbish, but then I noticed it was black in colour.
"Any metal that goes black in the ground is usually silver."
After finding the item, Paul sent pictures to the National Museum in Cardiff to verify it.
"It's taken a while, but they've confirmed what it is," said Paul
"There probably would have been about 50 more along the belt for decoration and to reinforce the strength of it."
Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales hopes to acquire the bar for the national collection.
Previously Paul has found Roman broaches and coin and a Celtic bucket mount on the same fields, and has been metal detecting for seven years.
"I love the history and learning about it, and I'm interested in saving the items," he said.
"People keep asking whether I'm going to get paid for this and I'm not really not interested," he said.
"I haven't been offered anything yet, but there will be a cash reward which will be split between myself and the landowner 50/50.
"I'm just more than happy for the museum to have it and that it has some sort of significance to it."
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