Ten-year-old metal detectorist finds rare piece of history

Brodie found the 14th Century seal at his first rally with the Gloucestershire Metal Detecting Club

A 10-year old metal detectorist has found a rare piece of history while attending his first metal detecting event in Gloucestershire.

Brodie was out with Gloucestershire Metal Detecting Club when he found a rare 14th Century seal just metres from the family car and an inch underground. Brodie said in the future he hoped to find something "really big", like a Roman sword.

Gloucestershire and Avon Finds Liaison Officer Kurt Adams said it was probably an ecclesiastical seal, with the lamb of God pictured on the front and a banner behind that read: "Roger of Tetbury". "It's a lovely find, and a really good quality one as well," he added.

The seal would have been used about 700 years ago, probably with wax to sign or stamp important documents.

The matrix seal would have been used with wax to sign documents about 700 years ago

Brodie's father Chris was among 80 members out that day and said Brodie had a beep on his metal detector within fives minutes of getting out of the car.

He said: "We didn't know what to expect or even if we would find anything."

Brodie's mother said: "It's really inspired Brodie to keep doing it with his dad, getting out in the fresh air, away from the tablet."

Because the seal was not classed as treasure, Brodie is able to keep it and has already set his sights on something bigger.

"I always dream of finding something really big, like a horse and carriage or something, like gold jewellery or Roman swords and hats", Brodie said.

There are still many unanswered questions - most importantly, who was Roger of Tetbury?

If any members of the public have any ideas, do get in touch.

Brodie's family said they were delighted at his find so early on