Background to the Scheme
The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a voluntary scheme for the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public. It was established to promote the recording of chance finds and broaden public awareness of the importance of such objects for understanding our past.
The Government recognised that there was an urgent need to improve arrangements for recording all 'portable antiquities' which fell outside the scope of the Treasure Act 1996, and as a result the Portable Antiquities Scheme was established. In 1997 the Department of Culture, Media and Sport provided funding to institute pilot schemes for the voluntary recording of archaeological objects in six regions. Another five pilot schemes were established five years later, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
In 2003, the Scheme was extended to the remaining areas of England and Wales, and is currently funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). In 2006, this funding will cease, and funding will commence from the DCMS for a further 2 years.
