SELF FINDS:
A small selection from some of our self-found specimens. Although most are modest in 'value', this collection shows that you can find genuine pieces of history all around you.
All specimens shown found in Northern England.
This section is intended to inspire, however please make sure you have permission before metal detecting in the UK, and follow all necessary laws and regulations before fossil/mineral hunting.
Section 1 - FOSSILS:
FOSSILS - SELF FINDS
1. Ammonites and Bivalves In shale (Eleganticeras sp. & Pseudomytiloides)
Jurassic Period
Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire, England
Found: 11/04/2026
This specimen contains fossil ammonites (Eleganticeras) and bivalves (cf. Pseudomytiloides ), marine animals that lived during the Jurassic Period when much of Britain was covered by a shallow sea. Ammonites were squid-like creatures with coiled shells, while bivalves were similar to modern clams living on the seabed. Preserved in shale from Runswick Bay, these fossils offer a glimpse into a rich marine ecosystem from around 180 million years ago.
Prepared and sealed with Paraloid B-72 for conservation.
FOSSILS - SELF FINDS
2. Ammonite in Shale (Eleganticeras sp.)
Jurassic Period
Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire, England
Found: 11/04/2026
This partial ammonite (Eleganticeras sp.) is preserved in shale, with well-defined 3D ribbing still visible on the shell. Even though incomplete, the fossil is a sizeable example and retains some fine detail.
Prepared and sealed with Paraloid B-72 for conservation.
FOSSILS - SELF FINDS
3. Ancient Coral (Hexagonaria sp.)
Carboniferous Period
River Ribble, Ribble Valley, Lancashire.
Found: 08/2024
This fossil coral (Hexagonaria sp.) dates to the Carboniferous Period, when much of northern England lay beneath warm, shallow tropical seas. The river-polished surface reveals its intricate inner patterns, formed by tightly packed coral colonies. Found in the River Ribble, it offers a glimpse into ancient reef environments that existed over 300 million years ago.
Prepared and sealed with Paraloid B-72 for conservation.
FOSSILS - SELF FINDS
4. Pyritised Bivalves in shale (Pseudomytiliodes sp.)
Jurassic Period
Runswick bay, North Yorkshire, England
Found: 28/2/2026
This specimen consists of two matching pieces of shale, originally one nodule, carefully split to reveal both positive impressions and negative impressions bearing pyritised bivalves (Pseudomytiloides sp.). The shells have been replaced by pyrite, giving a metallic sheen while preserving fine detail. Found on the Yorkshire Coast, it captures marine life from a Jurassic sea around 180 million years ago.
Prepared and sealed with Paraloid B-72 for conservation.
FOSSILS - SELF FINDS
5. Crinoid Deathbed
Carboniferous Period
Classified location - Ribble Valley, Lancashire, England.
Found: 09/2024
This specimen is a Carboniferous crinoid 'deathbed' preserved in Limestone. It showcases detailed 3D stems, alongside a dense accumulation of various crinoid remains. Crinoids, often called sea lilies, were marine animals related to starfish that lived attached to the seabed in warm tropical seas over 300 million years ago. Such mass burial deposits formed when large numbers of organisms were rapidly covered by sediment.
Section 2 - MINERALS
CRYSTALS & MINERALS - SELF FINDS
1. Druzy Quartz Cluster
Classified location - Lancashire, England
Found: 17/03/2025
Discovered high in the Lancashire Hills, this quartz cluster displays a fine coating of tiny, well-terminated crystals with a natural 'druzy' sparkle. The specimen has a thin layer of iron staining across the surface, while white quartz formations can be seen beneath.
Section 3 - ARCHAEOLOGY
ARCHAEOLOGY - SELF FINDS
1. Roman Copper-Alloy Coin (Nummus)
(PAS Recorded)
c. 295 - 310 AD
Near Ribchester, Lancashire, England.
Found: 10/2025
This coin is likely a Roman copper-alloy nummus dating to c. 295–310 AD. Found by us within approximately 3 miles of Bremetennacum Veteranorum (Ribchester Roman Fort), this coin likely shows evidence of late Roman activity linked to this site.
Recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), it provides a direct link to Roman Britain and daily life nearly 1,700 years ago, and reflects the circulation of small change used in everyday transactions by soldiers and civilians in late Roman Britain.
ARCHAEOLOGY - SELF FINDS
2. Clay Pipe Stems
c.1600-1900 AD
Near Ribchester, Lancashire, England. 09/2025
Found: 10/2025
This assemblage consists of clay pipe stems dating from the late 17th to 19th century, found near Ribchester, Lancashire.
Clay tobacco pipes were most widely used in Britain between c. 1650–1750, with continued but declining popularity into the 19th century as smoking habits changed. Such pipes were used for smoking tobacco across Britain during this period. These fragments reflect domestic and social activity in the local area over several centuries
ARCHAEOLOGY - SELF FINDS
3. Victorian Decorated Pottery With Hunting Scene
c. 1840 - 1899
Near Ribchester, Lancashire, England.
Found: 09/2025
This fragment of Victorian decorated pottery dates to c. 1840–1899 and features a detailed hunting scene showing a stag and hunting dog.
Hunting imagery has been used in art since antiquity, including in Roman mosaics and pottery, and remained a popular motif in later Victorian ceramics as a symbol of rural life and sport.
Found near Ribchester, Lancashire, it represents typical household wares of the period.
