Location Guide • Yorkshire
Metal Detecting in South Yorkshire
A predominantly urban and industrial county. Detecting is limited to the fringe farmland, but the Magnesian Limestone ridge and Don valley have potential.
Top Site Type
Magnesian Limestone farmland
Best Detector Type
Multi-frequency
Region
Yorkshire
Recorded finds · Portable Antiquities Scheme
Metal Detecting Finds Recorded in South Yorkshire
5,907 archaeological objects have been officially recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in South Yorkshire.
South Yorkshire Finds by Historical Period
Most Commonly Found Objects in South Yorkshire
Coin 1,647Vessel 453Brooch 439Buckle 422Mount 174Spindle Whorl 149Weight 148Strap Fitting 127
Medieval and Roman material leads South Yorkshire's recorded finds, with coin the most common object type.
Recent South Yorkshire 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.
South Yorkshire Metal Detecting Clubs
PAS Analysis
Of the 5,907 objects recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in South Yorkshire, the Medieval period is the strongest (1,901 finds), followed by Roman, Post Medieval. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, vessel and brooch, with coin alone accounting for 1,647 records.
Geology, Site Types & Detecting Tips in South Yorkshire
Geology
Coal Measures and urban development dominate. Magnesian Limestone ridge in the east gives better preservation. River Don and Dearne valley alluvium.
Site Types to Target
Magnesian Limestone ridge farmland, Don valley rural fields, fringe farmland near Doncaster
What You Can Find
Roman material near Doncaster (Danum), medieval material in the Don valley, post-medieval mining community finds
Notable Discoveries
Roman Doncaster (Danum) was an important fort and settlement. The surrounding fields have produced Roman military material.
Detecting Tips
Focus on the Magnesian Limestone ridge east of Doncaster. Roman Danum’s hinterland is underdetected relative to its historical significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go metal detecting in South Yorkshire?
You can detect on private land in South Yorkshire 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 South Yorkshire?
Yes. Metal detecting is legal in South Yorkshire 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 South Yorkshire?
South Yorkshire 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 South Yorkshire?
South Yorkshire has 5,907 objects recorded with the PAS, with the Medieval period the most common. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, vessel and brooch, with coin alone accounting for 1,647 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 South Yorkshire?
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