Finder of Staffordshire Hoard wants a quiet life

Oct 3 2009

Metal detectorist Terry Herbert looks set to take on legendary status in Burntwood.

Terry’s phenomenal discovery of priceless treasure in a local farmer’s field will be talked about for centuries.

The 1,500 pieces of Anglo Saxon treasure, dating back to 675-725 AD, is the largest ever found. Most of the items are gold, some silver, and there are many precious stones.

And Terry, who lives quietly in a flat in Boney Hay, has suddenly been catapulted to international fame.

But rather than enjoy the moment, the sudden notoriety has left Terry struggling to cope with the stress that accompanies his new-found fame.

He admitted he is actually afraid of finding out how much the treasure is worth.

Terry has modest ambitions, perhaps to buy a bungalow - and though it could take some time for an exact amount to be determined, he will become a very rich man.

Terry, aged 55, has heart problems, angina and high blood pressure - and the pressure of the last few weeks is taking its toll.

“It has been like opening Pandora’s Box,” he said. “It was a double shock: the shock of finding the treasure, then the shock of all this (publicity).”

Despite the stress, Terry recounted the sheer joy of being the first person to excavate, see and handle items which have lain buried for centuries.

“Someone buried that - then this chap comes along - the first person to see it for 1,300 years. That is fascinating to me. It’s a sense of history,” he said.

Terry also experienced a great deal of pleasure watching the reaction of experts, seeing the excitement on their faces.

Some reports have made the discovery sound easy.