Largest Hoard of Anglo-Saxon Treasure Found

[Jock Scot]

Maybe in Scotland, but certainly not in England and I believe also not in Wales. When one buys property one takes possession "of all that stands on or below" XXXX (the name or address of the property). Unless by common knowledge or stated in the land-deeds, this also includes any and all mineral rights. That is to say, that if you are buying property in a known coal mining area there is a good chance that there is a coal mine under your property already over which you have no rights or say. So you buy the property - you own the lot - above and below ground.

Most detectorists, who operate within the law in England, come to an agreement with the land owner first - a kind of pre-nuptial agreement. Otherwise they stand to loose the lot. The organisation that guides detectorists has some down-loadable agreements on their website, just for that purpose.

Regards

Chas

Actually I am talking about first hand knowledge of treasure trove laws in England. As a land owner, in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and other parts of England, I have been fortunate to have had the occasional minor find on my land, usually as a chance find by a ploughman. So I really do know how the system works.Funilly enough the situation has never cropped up here in Scotland ,with me. So I cannot speak of Scottish law on that subject. Perhaps I should find out, as Bonnie Prince Charlie is supposed to have lost rather a lot of loot in this part of the world.

As to metal dectectors, I only allow them onto my land under strict conditions and any that are found on my land without permision are shown the gate, promptly!