Metal detectorists unearthed a hoard of ancient treasures, including a medieval coin, during searches in Evenwood.
Members of Durham Dirt Diggers visited the village and it surrounds during November and December last year.
Evenwood and District History Society member Kevin Richardson said: “Numerous coins such as an Edward I penny and other objects such as a cannon ball, paupers’ rings, lead spindle whorls, miners’ tub tallies, musket balls, military badges and buttons were unearthed.”
The group had permission from various landowners to carry out their work.
One of the more unique objects discovered was an Edward I hammerhead silver penny, dating between 1272 and 1307.
Mr Richardson said the silver pennies, often called long cross pennies, are common medieval coins typically about 18-19mm in diameter.
He added: “The obverse usually features a stylized portrait of the King, while the reverse features a long cross with three pellets in each corner. The legends are abbreviated versions of EDWARDVS REX ANGLIE DOMINVS HYBERNIE.
“They were produced with a long cross extending to the edge of the coin on the reverse to prevent clipping. This coin was found north east of Park House Farm.”
Another interesting piece was a Mary Tudor groat.
Mr Richardson said: “Prior to her marriage to Philip of Spain, Mary I coins (1553- 1554) had the inscription VERITAS TEMPORIS FILIA on the reverse. This translates as ‘Truth, the daughter of Time’ and is only found on the coins of Mary Tudor.
“This coin was found in a field to the west of the site of the former Kays Hall Farm.”
The cannonball is thought to be from Oliver Cromwell’s time and was found in a field east of Park House Farm.
Mr Richardson added: “Local tradition states that Cromwell’s Roundhead forces built a hill near the village to place a cannon, which was used to bombard the manor or castle.
“The discovery of cannonballs in the vicinity of Buck Head Farm, a hill less than a mile southwest of the manor site, supports the account of a bombardment.”
For more details of the hoard visit evenwoodramshawdistricthistorysociety.uk/the-evenwood-dig.
