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Dave Derby, now 90 years old, has made extraordinary contributions to the field of metal detecting, achieving remarkable discoveries that have captivated archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike. His passion has led him to uncover two significant historical sites, including a vast Roman villa estate near Northampton and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery. Reflecting on his enthusiasm, archaeologist Stephen Young remarks that Derby “embodies the best of what it means to be a metal detectorist and an archaeological enthusiast.”
Derby’s interest in metal detecting was sparked in 1964 while helping his father in the garden when he stumbled upon a Georgian coin dating back to the reign of George III. This moment ignited a lifelong hobby and passion, driving him to acquire a metal detector and begin searching for hidden treasures. Over many decades, he accumulated numerous finds, but his 1996 discovery stands out—a sprawling Roman villa complex at Whitehall Farm, which included bathhouses adorned with tessellated mosaics and roundhouses dating to the 2nd century. When Derby realized the historical importance of the site, he informed the local farmer, setting off a project that would grow into a community archaeological effort involving volunteers, students, and experts from across the globe.
A further landmark discovery occurred in 2003 when Derby was offered another field to explore by the same landowner. There, within a short distance from the hedge, he uncovered remarkable Anglo-Saxon artefacts including a woman’s brooch and a sword complete with the skeleton of its owner. Upon discovering the skeleton, he famously called his son stating, “You need to come – I’ve found a sword and there’s a hand on the end of it!” This find sparked police interest to ensure there was no recent foul play, before the site
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