Unearthing the Past in Whaplode Drove – August 12th, 2025
Blazing sun, buzzing detectors, and buried history – our dig at Whaplode Drove turned up not just metal, but memories of Roman Britain.
Tuesday the 12th of August saw 25 detectorists descend on a stubble field in Whaplode Drove, Lincolnshire. This was a new permission, and anticipation was high. The field, still dusty from harvest, held centuries of secrets waiting just beneath the surface.
The weather? Scorching. But that didn’t stop anyone. As one of our regulars, Crypto Fu, put it on Facebook: “Thanks for today. Teally good and hot day…”
Roman Finds Spark Excitement
The buzz of excitement reached its peak with the discovery of a silver denarius. Likely dating from the early 3rd century AD, the coin appears to be from the reign of Septimius Severus, a Roman emperor who ruled from 193 to 211 AD. Some coins also reference Julia Domna, the influential empress and wife of Septimius. Her coins are especially interesting as they reflect a time when women played prominent roles in imperial propaganda. The denarius found was remarkably well-preserved – its silver sheen catching the light even after nearly two millennia in the soil.
Kevin Barker’s Star Find: A Roman Coin of Hadrian
Among all the buzzing machines and hopeful eyes scanning the ground, Kevin Barker had a moment to remember.
His detector gave a strong, promising signal – then came the unmistakable glint of Roman silver beneath the stubble. “My best find today. Not the best condition but a clear bust. Would be grateful for any ID please ” – Kevin Barker.
While the coin was worn, the bust on the obverse side was clearly visible. Fellow detectorist Duncan McNish chimed in on Facebook with a possible ID: “I would say Hadrian.“
If Duncan’s right, that places the coin in the early 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian – a ruler best known in Britain for commissioning Hadrian’s Wall. Hadrian ruled from 117 to 138 AD and was known for consolidating the empire’s borders. His coins often feature strong, stylized portraits and imperial propaganda celebrating Roman peace, architecture, and strength. Kevin’s find might not have been in mint condition, but as any seasoned detectorist knows – it’s the history it carries that counts.
Alongside these silver coins, detectorists also recovered:
Alongside the silver, detectorists recovered several Roman copper-alloy coins in various conditions, a few worn but identifiable bronze sestertii, silver-plated contemporary copies, and numerous “grots” (those charmingly corroded mystery coins that still hold a special place in every detectorist’s pouch). These finds suggest repeated Roman activity in the area – possibly even a trading site or rural settlement. We’ll be mapping and recording all finds for reporting to the PAS (Portable Antiquities Scheme).
Whaplode Drove: Quiet Today, Rich in History
While Whaplode Drove today is a peaceful Fenland parish, it sits on land once teeming with life. Roman influence stretched deep into Lincolnshire, with roads and settlements dotting the region. The area’s fertile soil and navigable waterways made it a key spot for farming and trade. Could this field have once fed a Roman villa or marked the edge of a minor route from the Wash inland? Each find brings us closer to that answer.
The Dig Experience: Camaraderie Under the Sun
Despite the sun beating down, the field was alive with the chatter of excited detectorists, the soft thuds of spades, and the occasional triumphant shout of “I’ve got one!” There’s something about these digs that goes beyond the history – it’s the shared love of discovery, the thrill of the unknown, and the respect for the past that binds us.
Looking Ahead
All notable finds will be recorded, and the team is already planning follow-up digs as we gain more insight into the landscape. If this first session is anything to go by, Whaplode Drove might be hiding many more stories under its stubble.
Interested in joining a dig or learning more?
Interested in joining a dig or learning more? Follow us on Facebook or check back here for the next field adventure. And if you were there – drop us a comment. What was your favourite moment?
