History unearthed: metal detecting in Launton 's fields

Launton Parish - A History Unearthed

Following permission from landowners, I have spent many an enjoyable autumn day searching land with my metal detector within Launton Parish.

With so many farms and smallholdings, historically, contained within the Parish it was perhaps not surprising that most finds reflected agricultural activity in both the Georgian and Victorian eras. Other than the predictable horseshoes, a plethora of buttons, crotal bells and dropped coins predominantly from the 1700’s to post decimal were found.

A selection of the metal buttons unearthed

Among these, was a livery button depicting five arrows and a snake belonged to the Elwes family from Norfolk. John Elwes (1714-89) was a member of parliament for Berkshire and an eccentric miser. It is rumoured that he was the inspiration for the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

A livery button from a servant's uniform, from the Elwes family from Norfolk.

The earliest coin discovered was a 1566 Elizabeth I hammered silver sixpence. The most recent an Elizabeth II 20p.

An Elizabeth I hammered sixpence

Artefacts which reflect an earlier way of life are always interesting finds and a paddock in the West End produced several Singleton super strength menthol snuff tins, an antique dog whistle and a key for a long clock. A pewter spoon was also found embossed with the initials T.W. Further out of the village, an iron foot patten used to raise shoes from the mud was discovered along with a dress hook from Tudor times.

Snuff tins and the cap from a bottle of tonic wine

A clock winding key and a metal whistle (which still works)

An iron patten (used to raise shoes from the surrounding mud, and metal finds from a field

Field shooting is another activity which leaves metal debris in the form of spent bullets and cartridges. In fields north of the village, earlier evidence of weaponry was revealed with the discovery of both musket/pistol balls and even a small cannonball!

a small cannon ball, and a coin from the same field

Assorted musket balls

With known Roman roads nearby, it was a shame that I could not provide any evidence of Roman occupation, but I hope that this selection of finds has ‘opened a small window’ into our local past.

If you own any local land, in excess of an acre, that you would be interested in having metal detected, please contact me at: miles.penhallow@btinternet.com

Miles Penhallow