The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is a national programme which assists with the recording of finds discovered by members of the public.
The scheme aims to help finders have their objects identified and recorded, as well as providing specialist advice on conservation and storage. The finds are recorded centrally on a national database, which can be accessed over the internet.
Archaeological finds are more common than you might think. Anything can be found by anybody – while gardening, building an extension, walking the dog, on the beach, or while using a metal-detector. The PAS adds another piece to the jigsaw puzzle of the past. It does not record finds made during routine archaeological investigations, as these are recorded directly on the Historic Environment Record.
Cambridgeshire County Council employs a Finds Liaison Officer, who also works at Peterborough Museum. Finds can be brought for identification at any of the following:
- finds identification events at local museums
- other selected Cambridgeshire Archaeology events
- by prior appointment with the Finds Liaison Officer (contact details to the right), at the Cambridgeshire Historic Environment Record or at Peterborough Museum on Fridays.
Some of the objects that are brought to us fall within the Treasure Act, see our Treasure Act and export license page for further details.
The network of independent museums in the county covers a wide range of objects from all periods. These museums may be interested in 'non-archaeological' objects. Their details can be found on the Contacts for Finds Identification document, below.
The PAS operates in partnership with the British Museum and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.