Location Guide • South West
Metal Detecting in Gloucestershire
The Cotswold limestone gives outstanding finds preservation. Cirencester (Corinium) was the second largest city in Roman Britain, making this one of England’s richest counties for Roman material.
Top Site Type
Cotswold limestone arable
Best Detector Type
Multi-frequency
Region
South West
Recorded finds · Portable Antiquities Scheme
Metal Detecting Finds Recorded in Gloucestershire
15,099 archaeological objects have been officially recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Gloucestershire.
Gloucestershire Finds by Historical Period
Most Commonly Found Objects in Gloucestershire
Coin 8,167Brooch 1,380Buckle 967Vessel 477Strap Fitting 271Token 239Finger Ring 204Mount 181
Roman and Medieval material leads Gloucestershire's recorded finds, with coin the most common object type.
Recent Gloucestershire Metal Detecting Finds
Data and images from the Portable Antiquities Scheme (finds.org.uk), © The Trustees of the British Museum, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Figures reflect objects voluntarily recorded by finders and do not represent all finds made in the county. Last updated July 2026.
Gloucestershire Metal Detecting Clubs
PAS Analysis
Of the 15,099 objects recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Gloucestershire, the Roman period is the strongest (7,622 finds), followed by Medieval, Post Medieval. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, brooch and buckle, with coin alone accounting for 8,167 records.
Geology, Site Types & Detecting Tips in Gloucestershire
Geology
Jurassic limestone (Cotswolds) – superb preservation of metal objects. Severn Vale has Lias clay – productive but heavier going. River terrace gravels along the Severn.
Site Types to Target
Cotswold limestone arable fields, Severn Vale farmland, fields adjacent to Ermin Street and Fosse Way (both major Roman roads crossing the county)
What You Can Find
Roman coins, jewellery and high-status bronzes (especially near Cirencester), Iron Age material, Bronze Age metalwork on the Cotswold plateau, medieval dress accessories
Notable Discoveries
The Cotswold area has produced numerous Roman coin hoards, bronze statuettes and high-quality jewellery. Cirencester’s hinterland continues to produce significant finds.
Detecting Tips
Limestone soils are a joy to detect – minimal mineralisation, excellent depth. Targeting field corners and old trackways on the Cotswolds is very productive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go metal detecting in Gloucestershire?
You can detect on private land in Gloucestershire with the landowner’s permission. You must avoid scheduled monuments, SSSIs and other protected sites. Joining a local club is the easiest way to reach permissioned land.
Is metal detecting legal in Gloucestershire?
Yes. Metal detecting is legal in Gloucestershire on land where you have the landowner’s permission, as long as you avoid protected sites and follow the law on reporting treasure and recording finds.
Who is the Finds Liaison Officer for Gloucestershire?
Gloucestershire is covered by a Portable Antiquities Scheme Finds Liaison Officer who records finds made by the public. See the FLO section on this page for contact details, or search finds.org.uk.
What finds turn up in Gloucestershire?
Gloucestershire has 15,099 objects recorded with the PAS, with the Roman period the most common. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, brooch and buckle, with coin alone accounting for 8,167 records.
Sources & Last Checked
PAS data from finds.org.uk, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Last checked July 2026.
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Detecting in Gloucestershire?
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