Treasure-hunter is banned from Saxon site after find
A treasure-hunter who hoped to make his fortune after stumbling across an ancient graveyard is distraught after being banned from the site.
Peter Beasley, a retired bricklayer, thought he had struck gold when he uncovered part of a Saxon shield, spears and a skeleton while out roaming with his metal detector near Clanfield.
The 67-year-old believes the 15-acre site is worth millions, hiding precious jewellery, ancient weapons and up to 3,000 graves from the seventh century.
But his stake to the treasure has been dealt a bitter blow.
The landowner has told him he is no longer welcome on the site – even though Mr Beasley claims an agreement was made to split the finds 50/50.
Mr Beasley, of Gordon Road, Waterlooville, who says he hasn't made a penny from the site since his discovery four years ago, said it wasn't just about the money.
'It should be excavated,' he said. 'It's a fantastic site and it's a disservice to the country not to explore it.'
The landowners, Mr and Mrs Budden, said they have made the decision as they are fed up with people trespassing on their land.
The trespassers include nighthawks, who are metal detectorists who dig for treasure and then sell the finds to unscrupulous dealers, rather than officially declaring them.
Mr Beasley said: 'I think it's disgusting. I have been going there eight years. At least I declare anything that I find.
'This will just open the door to nighthawks who will just help themselves.'
But Elizabeth Budden said: 'People keep turning up with metal detectors all night long and every time we get called out.
'We are fed up with it.'
The Buddens said they had no intentions to dig up any of the treasure as it had been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and said there wasn't the funding to excavate it anyway.'
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