Treasure and the Portable Antiquities Scheme
Find Liaison Officers (FLO)
Find Liaison Officers work to identify and record archaeological objects found by members of the public, as part of the Portable Antiquities Scheme. The records are publicly available on the Portable Antiquities Scheme website, and are used by researchers and local heritage groups. They are based in Lancashire County Council’s Museums Service.
Who are my local Finds Liaison Officers?
The Finds Liaison Officers for Lancashire and Cumbria are:
Theodore Muscillo
theodore.muscillo@lancashire.gov.uk
Alex Whitlock
alex.whitlock@lancashire.gov.uk
How can I report finds?
FLOs are interested in seeing all archaeological objects and coins that you have found, but need to be selective in what they record. Discovery of potential Treasure or Finds Of Significance must be reported by law under the Treasure Act 1996. The definition of Treasure can be found here.
You can report a find by email, or at one of our Finds Days (listed below). Please note that we often need to see a find in person in order to fully record it.
If you are reporting a find by email, please make sure you include:
- The findspot, in the form of either a National Grid Reference (6 figures or better) or what.three.words location - find out more here.
- Photographs of both the front and back of the object that are well-lit and in focus. These should also include a scale, such as a ruler, and be against a plain white or black background. Side and end views of objects are often important aids in identification.
- The weight of the object in grams, and ideally the other dimensions (length/width/thickness/diameter) in centimetres
Hoards
If you are reporting a scattered hoard, please include findspots for the different objects where possible.
If you find an in situ hoard (a hoard that has not been scattered), stop excavation and call one of the FLOs for advice.
How can I meet with a FLO?
You can arrange to meet with us at our office in Preston, or come to a Finds Day.
Finds Days
These are events where you can bring your finds to a FLO at a local venue. We will try to identify them and give you some information, and may ask to borrow the finds for recording.
Please note that these Finds Days are subject to change, and that you should check with the host museum or library before travelling.
Details of our upcoming Finds Days are available here:
Can I speak to a FLO about my student project?
We are happy to talk to students who are using PAS data for school or university projects. Our availability varies, and so we recommend contacting us in good time.