Whaplode Dig: A Day of Treasures, Challenges, and Shared Triumphs

 Insights:

Community Spirit: Metal detecting is as much about the finds as it is about the teamwork and camaraderie that make every dig special.

Historical Treasures: The finds at Whaplode, from Saxon artifacts to medieval coins, demonstrate the incredible history beneath our feet.

Challenges of the Hunt: Frozen ground and broken tools highlight the perseverance needed to uncover hidden treasures.

Excitement of Discovery: Whether it’s a first find or a seasoned collector’s addition, the thrill of the hunt is universal.

The recent Whaplode dig brought together a dedicated community of metal detectorists to uncover South Lincolnshire’s rich historical treasures. Two fields, known for producing remarkable finds, didn’t disappoint—despite the cold and challenging conditions. From medieval artifacts to unexpected discoveries, the day was packed with highlights.

Highlights from the Day

Paul Tongue’s Venetian Soldino

Paul got the day off to a strong start with what appears to be a Venetian soldino. Sharing his excitement, Paul said, “Good start .” Experts like John Penney speculated on the coin’s origins, while Tim Howard asked, “Well done Paul, how deep is the frost?”

Martin Stokes’ Medieval Coin

Martin’s voided short cross cut half added to the day’s impressive finds. “Cut half just up for me and my cut half after a quick clean. Nice voided short cross,” Martin shared proudly. Finds like this remind us of the incredible medieval history buried in the area.

Kate’s Hammered Coin

Kate unearthed another hammered coin to add to her collection. A find like this always draws admiration and adds to the excitement of the day.

Shane Campbell’s Lightning Start

Shane didn’t have to wait long for his first discovery. “1st hole, 30 seconds in—happy days,” he exclaimed. His quick start set the tone for an exciting day ahead.

Paul Wild’s Musical Find

Paul Wild uncovered a crotal bell that still works, sharing his joy with the group. “My crotal bell from today still works!” he said. It’s always a thrill to find an artifact that brings history to life.

Alex Hunt’s Broken Spade Adventure

Alex Hunt had a day filled with mixed emotions. Despite his spade breaking mid-dig, he managed to uncover a George V penny, a modern 2p, a spindle whorl, and more. He also had some help from a fellow detectorist. “Thanks for digging it up for me after my spade broke!” Alex said.

Unexpected Artifacts and Rare Finds

Wayne Chalk’s Medieval Belt Mount

Wayne found an impressive medieval belt mount, a reminder of the craftsmanship of the past.

Steve Charity’s Saxon Stirrup Mount

Steve almost discarded what turned out to be a Saxon stirrup mount. After some cleaning, Jennie Manighetti and Paul Tongue confirmed it as a likely piece from 1000–1100 AD. A lucky save and a fantastic addition to the day’s finds!

Challenging Conditions, Unwavering Spirits

The dig wasn’t without its difficulties. Frozen ground and tough digging conditions tested everyone’s resolve. “Was hard going but well worth it,” said Pete Jepson, who unearthed hammered coins, a button, and a clasp end. Martin Sewell lightened the mood, joking, “Make no mistake, the digging was hard. I’m guessing nobody would be interested in seeing a photograph of my racing pigeon ring.”

The Rich History of Whaplode

Over the last few visits, these fields have yielded over 80 hammered silver coins, including a Saxon Edward the Confessor and other medieval artifacts. While the thrill of discovery is never guaranteed, Whaplode continues to deliver treasures that make every dig worthwhile.

A Day to Remember

First-timers like Alex Howes felt right at home. “Thank you for everyone’s help today. I really enjoyed my first dig,” he shared.

For seasoned diggers, the camaraderie and shared passion made the day memorable. Despite challenges like frozen ground and Alex Hunt’s broken spade, the community pulled together to ensure a successful outing.

Looking Ahead

With every visit to Whaplode, the excitement grows. The camaraderie, the thrill of discovery, and the rich history waiting to be uncovered make it a must-visit site for metal detectorists. Here’s to many more successful digs and the treasures they bring!