The Inspiring Journey of Dave Derby: A Metal Detector Enthusiast

At the age of 90, Dave Derby has accomplished what many metal detecting enthusiasts only dream of: he has unearthed historical artifacts that have the potential to reshape our understanding of the past. Remarkably, he has done this not once, but twice! His discoveries include a stunning Roman villa and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery, earning praise from archaeologist Stephen Young, who describes Derby as an exemplary ambassador for the hobby of metal detecting and archaeology.

Early Beginnings of Metal Detecting

Dave, who hails from Kislingbury near Northamptonshire, UK, reflects on his joyous encounters with ancient objects. “You pick something up and wonder, ‘What was the life of its previous owner like?'” he muses. Derby’s interest in metal detecting ignited back in 1964 while helping his father in the garden. A surprising find—a Georgian coin—sparked his fascination. “I became captivated by what the experts at the Northampton Museum shared with us, inspiring me to buy my first metal detector,” he recalls.

Significant Discoveries Over the Decades

Throughout his extensive career, Derby has made numerous finds, but his initial claim to international fame came in 1996 when he discovered a Roman villa at Whitehall Farm. This remarkable site, dated between the early 3rd and late 4th centuries, featured two baths adorned with mosaics and two circular houses from the 2nd century. “While exploring a particular field, I stumbled upon pottery shards and then started finding Roman coins,” Derby explains. He quickly informed the farmer, “You have a Roman site here!”

A Collaboration with Archaeologists

Recognizing the site’s significance, Derby sought advice from Young, who had collaborated with him since the mid-1980s. Young notes, “The site is an outstanding example of a late Roman villa that remained in use until the mid-5th century, significantly beyond the generally accepted end of Roman Britain.” This discovery laid the groundwork for Clasp, a community archaeology project that ran until 2012, drawing in students, volunteers, and archaeologists worldwide.

Uncovering the Anglo-Saxon Cemetery

Derby’s next monumental find occurred when the same landowner offered him another field to investigate. “When I stepped onto this beautiful flat field, I received a fantastic signal about 9 meters from the hedge,” he recounts. He initially uncovered a woman’s Saxon brooch, leading him to believe he might have found part of a sword. When he called his son Peter to share the excitement, the police were already on scene to ensure the human remains were not connected to recent criminal activity. This 2003 discovery became known as the Anglo-Saxon warrior.

Excavation and Findings

Subsequent excavations revealed six additional graves, and over the next few years, approximately 23 sets of remains were uncovered. Among these, some appeared to belong to “foederati,” continental soldiers invited to Britain by the Romans for military support, as explained by Young. The burials revealed family groupings, indicating that some female remains were locally sourced. Analysis suggested that some dated back to around 430 AD, during the decline of the Roman Empire, marking the site as nationally significant for studying post-Roman and early migration periods.

Ongoing Passion for Metal Detecting

Among Derby’s treasured finds is a 7th-century pendant discovered in Woodend in 2019, which no museum was interested in acquiring. Today, it proudly adorns the wife of the landowner. Derby continues to be an avid metal detectorist, now joined by his son Peter. “I feel like we are modern-day time travelers; we dig into the earth and uncover something that hasn’t seen the light of day for sometimes thousands of years,” Peter reflects.

Respecting the Legacy

As required by law, all gold and silver finds over 300 years old are reported to the responsible officer in Northamptonshire. Among Derby’s favorite artifacts is a gold and gemstone pendant from the 7th century, which he returned to the landowner and is now cherished by his wife. “I prefer finding artifacts; they belonged to someone, and you wonder, ‘What were they doing there?'” Derby adds. “It’s one of the most fantastic hobbies I’ve ever had.”

Conclusion

Dave Derby’s remarkable journey in metal detecting showcases his passion for history and archaeology. His dedication has not only uncovered significant archaeological finds but has also inspired a new generation of enthusiasts eager to explore the past.

• At 90, Dave Derby has made groundbreaking discoveries in metal detecting.
• Among his notable finds are a Roman villa and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery.
• His passion for the hobby started in the 1960s and continues today with his son.
• His discoveries have contributed significantly to our understanding of historical contexts in the UK.