Brief Summary
The video documents day five of a metal detecting adventure in Norwich, UK. The day's finds include a decorated button, a medieval lead seal matrix, a medieval buckle, a Charles II farthing, a hammered silver coin, and various other artifacts. The highlight of the day was the discovery of the lead seal matrix, dating back to the 12th-13th century, identified as belonging to Robert Tide, son of William.
- The day's finds included a range of items from different historical periods, showcasing the area's rich history.
- The medieval lead seal matrix was a particularly significant find, offering insight into medieval communication and identity.
- Despite finding numerous pieces of lead, the detectorist remained optimistic and continued searching for more valuable items.
Starting the Day and Initial Finds
The detectorist begins day five in the Norwich area, noting the favorable weather conditions. He quickly finds a decorated button featuring two lions beside a shield. Shortly after, he unearths a large piece of lead.
Medieval Lead Seal Matrix Discovery
About 45 minutes into the day, the detectorist makes an outstanding find: a medieval lead seal matrix. The seal dates back to the 12th or 13th century and features old English lettering and an eight-petal flower at the center. The inscription is identified as "s' Roberti D' Will," meaning "seal of Robert Tide, son of William." Such seals were status symbols used by merchants and officials to authenticate documents and transactions.
More Finds and Detecting in High-Traffic Areas
The detectorist moves to an area with many signals, previously gridded by others. He digs up a small, straight piece of copper or bronze. Later, in an area that had been previously detected, he finds a beautiful, tiny medieval buckle, though it is missing its pin.
Midday Finds and Strategy
At lunchtime, the detectorist reviews his finds, which include the lead seal matrix, a buckle, a fragment of lead with an inscription, a Charles token, and a hammered silver coin. He decides to continue detecting in the same productive area for another hour before moving towards the lane by the road.
The "Lead Whisperer" and More Lead Finds
The detectorist jokes about being the "lead whisperer" due to the numerous lead pieces he's been finding, including a massive piece weighing four or five pounds. He continues to find more lead in an area known for medieval finds.
Additional Finds: Button and Strap End
The detectorist unearths a nice medieval button with a flower design, dating back to the 15th or 16th century. He moves to a grassy area lining the field and finds an old strap end, although it's not the hammered silver he was hoping for.
More Lead and Disappointments
The detectorist gets a promising signal but ends up finding another small piece of lead. Despite the disappointment, he acknowledges that such signals are typical of hammered silver territory.
Day Five Finds Overview
The video concludes with a review of the day's finds, including various buttons, buckles, a thimble, a musk ball, a pin-fired shell, and a gaming token from 1788. Bagged finds include a 17th-century button with a floral design, a 15th-century buckle, a Holland coin from 1769, a 17th-century lead cloth seal, a 16th-century tutor button, a Charles II farthing, the lead seal matrix, and a James I hammered silver penny.
