Dr Tess Machling
@tessmachling.bsky.social
Archaeologist, gold & torc researcher, chocolate artefact maker & mum. Often post about cats who aren't mine...
Views all my own 😊
Green party 💚
She/her 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Work on torcs & gold: https://bigbookoftorcs.com
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/tess317409
Views all my own 😊
Green party 💚
She/her 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Work on torcs & gold: https://bigbookoftorcs.com
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/tess317409
Pinned
appgarchaeology.wordpress.com
Pre-Christmas present... 🤪
The APPAG Inquiry into Detecting report is out.
#Archaeology #Detecting #Treasure 🏺 1/3
appgarchaeology.wordpress.com/wp-content/u...
The APPAG Inquiry into Detecting report is out.
#Archaeology #Detecting #Treasure 🏺 1/3
appgarchaeology.wordpress.com/wp-content/u...
The latest Treasure Valuation Committee minutes for 2024 are out: £4,285,000 was recommended in 'reward' payments to finders/landowners for detected 'Treasure' artefacts in 2024. 1/2
#Archaeology #Detecting #Treasure
#Archaeology #Detecting #Treasure
January 6, 2026 at 1:19 PM
The latest Treasure Valuation Committee minutes for 2024 are out: £4,285,000 was recommended in 'reward' payments to finders/landowners for detected 'Treasure' artefacts in 2024. 1/2
#Archaeology #Detecting #Treasure
#Archaeology #Detecting #Treasure
Reposted by Dr Tess Machling
The current state of metal detecting in the UK seems incompatible with collectively preserving, respecting and learning about the past.
I'm seeing more posts with people trying to find sites which have missed scheduling so they can detect them.
They seem to be under impression sites are scheduled so archaeologists keep the #Treasure all for themselves - rather than to protect them from *everyone*. 🧵
#Archaeology 🏺 #Detecting
They seem to be under impression sites are scheduled so archaeologists keep the #Treasure all for themselves - rather than to protect them from *everyone*. 🧵
#Archaeology 🏺 #Detecting
January 6, 2026 at 10:28 AM
The current state of metal detecting in the UK seems incompatible with collectively preserving, respecting and learning about the past.
I'm seeing more posts with people trying to find sites which have missed scheduling so they can detect them.
They seem to be under impression sites are scheduled so archaeologists keep the #Treasure all for themselves - rather than to protect them from *everyone*. 🧵
#Archaeology 🏺 #Detecting
They seem to be under impression sites are scheduled so archaeologists keep the #Treasure all for themselves - rather than to protect them from *everyone*. 🧵
#Archaeology 🏺 #Detecting
January 6, 2026 at 10:04 AM
I'm seeing more posts with people trying to find sites which have missed scheduling so they can detect them.
They seem to be under impression sites are scheduled so archaeologists keep the #Treasure all for themselves - rather than to protect them from *everyone*. 🧵
#Archaeology 🏺 #Detecting
They seem to be under impression sites are scheduled so archaeologists keep the #Treasure all for themselves - rather than to protect them from *everyone*. 🧵
#Archaeology 🏺 #Detecting
We may regret it, but we're allowing #CuratorRob out in public. We've hosed him down and locked his cider shed, so it'll be fine, right?🙏😬
For ONE NIGHT ONLY (15 Jan, 8pm) he's giving an online talk about the recent discoveries at Palace. Huxley may feature.
£5 plus booking fee. bit.ly/flaevents
For ONE NIGHT ONLY (15 Jan, 8pm) he's giving an online talk about the recent discoveries at Palace. Huxley may feature.
£5 plus booking fee. bit.ly/flaevents
January 6, 2026 at 8:49 AM
January 5, 2026 at 1:23 PM
What book had the biggest archaeological impact on you?
Mine was Michael Wood's 'In Search of...' books - the Dark Ages and Trojan Wars in particular.
Many years later, when I stood looking up at the Lions Gate at Mycaenae, I felt such an overwhelming thrill to finally be there!!
#Archaeology 🏺
Mine was Michael Wood's 'In Search of...' books - the Dark Ages and Trojan Wars in particular.
Many years later, when I stood looking up at the Lions Gate at Mycaenae, I felt such an overwhelming thrill to finally be there!!
#Archaeology 🏺
The archaeological publication which has the biggest impact on me.
We picked it up on a family holiday in '84 & it took us to some of the most magical prehistoric sites in Britain; awaking my inner prehistorian. Thank you Thomas, Pool and Weatherhill, and the Cornwall Arch Soc🏺
#StandingStoneSunday
We picked it up on a family holiday in '84 & it took us to some of the most magical prehistoric sites in Britain; awaking my inner prehistorian. Thank you Thomas, Pool and Weatherhill, and the Cornwall Arch Soc🏺
#StandingStoneSunday
January 4, 2026 at 9:42 AM
What book had the biggest archaeological impact on you?
Mine was Michael Wood's 'In Search of...' books - the Dark Ages and Trojan Wars in particular.
Many years later, when I stood looking up at the Lions Gate at Mycaenae, I felt such an overwhelming thrill to finally be there!!
#Archaeology 🏺
Mine was Michael Wood's 'In Search of...' books - the Dark Ages and Trojan Wars in particular.
Many years later, when I stood looking up at the Lions Gate at Mycaenae, I felt such an overwhelming thrill to finally be there!!
#Archaeology 🏺
TLDR "They got oil and I can be a big macho man like my pals Putin and Netanyahu... I got guns too. Me, Pete and Marco love watching the flash-bangs..."
January 3, 2026 at 5:39 PM
TLDR "They got oil and I can be a big macho man like my pals Putin and Netanyahu... I got guns too. Me, Pete and Marco love watching the flash-bangs..."
Christmas tidied away, my orchids are in bloom... and M&S have daffodils to remind me that the dark, cold, days won't be here forever...🌱🌼
January 3, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Christmas tidied away, my orchids are in bloom... and M&S have daffodils to remind me that the dark, cold, days won't be here forever...🌱🌼
The home of epic chats and questionable hats✨Stratmates has grown over the last two years and we are so proud of the archaeological community we have found! Let us know what you want to see from us this year!✨Thanks to Macsen for designing our graphics✨
#stratmates #archaeology #history
#stratmates #archaeology #history
January 2, 2026 at 7:38 PM
If you didn't watch this, you really need to... David Attenborough, fox cubs and drunk bees.
What 2026 needs more of...
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002hzg7
What 2026 needs more of...
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002hzg7
Wild London
Sir David Attenborough explores the wildlife of his London hometown, from urban deer to rooftop peregrines and many others, revealing how nature thrives in the world’s greenest major city.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM
If you didn't watch this, you really need to... David Attenborough, fox cubs and drunk bees.
What 2026 needs more of...
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002hzg7
What 2026 needs more of...
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002hzg7
Torcs for Orcs...
We thought it said Big Book of Orcs!
Still, 5 stars, would recommend.
Still, 5 stars, would recommend.
The Big Book of Torcs is 6 years old! 🎉
www.bigbookoftorcs.com 🧵
In total, since January 2020, it's had 59,979 views from 34,504 people in 140 countries (only c.50% are from the UK) ...and these numbers are increasing every year!
#Archaeology 🏺
www.bigbookoftorcs.com 🧵
In total, since January 2020, it's had 59,979 views from 34,504 people in 140 countries (only c.50% are from the UK) ...and these numbers are increasing every year!
#Archaeology 🏺
January 1, 2026 at 1:32 PM
Torcs for Orcs...
January 1, 2026 at 1:18 PM
The Big Book of Torcs is 6 years old! 🎉
www.bigbookoftorcs.com 🧵
In total, since January 2020, it's had 59,979 views from 34,504 people in 140 countries (only c.50% are from the UK) ...and these numbers are increasing every year!
#Archaeology 🏺
www.bigbookoftorcs.com 🧵
In total, since January 2020, it's had 59,979 views from 34,504 people in 140 countries (only c.50% are from the UK) ...and these numbers are increasing every year!
#Archaeology 🏺
January 1, 2026 at 9:25 AM
The Big Book of Torcs is 6 years old! 🎉
www.bigbookoftorcs.com 🧵
In total, since January 2020, it's had 59,979 views from 34,504 people in 140 countries (only c.50% are from the UK) ...and these numbers are increasing every year!
#Archaeology 🏺
www.bigbookoftorcs.com 🧵
In total, since January 2020, it's had 59,979 views from 34,504 people in 140 countries (only c.50% are from the UK) ...and these numbers are increasing every year!
#Archaeology 🏺
How to say 'up yours, Musk, Trump, Farage etc' in fireworks...
London ❤️💪
London ❤️💪
January 1, 2026 at 12:09 AM
How to say 'up yours, Musk, Trump, Farage etc' in fireworks...
London ❤️💪
London ❤️💪
Think someone at the Beeb has been at the New Year drinkies early... 🤣
#Archaeology 🏺 #Hic #HappyNewYear
#Archaeology 🏺 #Hic #HappyNewYear
December 31, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Think someone at the Beeb has been at the New Year drinkies early... 🤣
#Archaeology 🏺 #Hic #HappyNewYear
#Archaeology 🏺 #Hic #HappyNewYear
Pointless torcs... 🤣
December 31, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Pointless torcs... 🤣
"Community effort saves treasure hoard for public"
Not.
A.
Word.
About.
Who.
It.
Was.
Saved.
From...
= a detectorist & landowner who got the £1500 raised! 😔
#Archaeology #Detecting #Treasure
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not.
A.
Word.
About.
Who.
It.
Was.
Saved.
From...
= a detectorist & landowner who got the £1500 raised! 😔
#Archaeology #Detecting #Treasure
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Stoke Row community effort to bring treasure hoard on display
The early medieval hoard contains 21 complete and fragmentary silver pennies.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 31, 2025 at 3:52 PM
"Community effort saves treasure hoard for public"
Not.
A.
Word.
About.
Who.
It.
Was.
Saved.
From...
= a detectorist & landowner who got the £1500 raised! 😔
#Archaeology #Detecting #Treasure
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not.
A.
Word.
About.
Who.
It.
Was.
Saved.
From...
= a detectorist & landowner who got the £1500 raised! 😔
#Archaeology #Detecting #Treasure
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This is REALLY good. Well done to both - to Gary for agreeing to do it, and Zack for getting him to and asking the right questions.
Sensible, grown up, compassionate politics. 💚
#JoinTheGreenParty #Green
Sensible, grown up, compassionate politics. 💚
#JoinTheGreenParty #Green
December 31, 2025 at 3:35 PM
This is REALLY good. Well done to both - to Gary for agreeing to do it, and Zack for getting him to and asking the right questions.
Sensible, grown up, compassionate politics. 💚
#JoinTheGreenParty #Green
Sensible, grown up, compassionate politics. 💚
#JoinTheGreenParty #Green
Gold & silver prices have more than doubled in last 5 years.
This has an impact on value of our nation's gold & silver artefacts (& security 😔)...
...and the price we'll all be paying for 'treasure' rewards in coming years!
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This has an impact on value of our nation's gold & silver artefacts (& security 😔)...
...and the price we'll all be paying for 'treasure' rewards in coming years!
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Gold and silver see rollercoaster end to blockbuster year
The price of gold soared by more than 60% this year to hit a record high of more than $4,549.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 31, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Gold & silver prices have more than doubled in last 5 years.
This has an impact on value of our nation's gold & silver artefacts (& security 😔)...
...and the price we'll all be paying for 'treasure' rewards in coming years!
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This has an impact on value of our nation's gold & silver artefacts (& security 😔)...
...and the price we'll all be paying for 'treasure' rewards in coming years!
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
One for @tessmachling.bsky.social (if not already seen) - £15k paid to the detectorist who found this rare David I coin.
Earliest coin minted in Scotland saved for the nation after 900 years
The medieval David I silver coin, discovered in a wooded area in Midlothian, has been dated to the second half of the 1130s.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 29, 2025 at 7:35 PM
My thoughts on the APPAG detecting report and an update on donations...
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
bigbookoftorcs.com/2025/12/29/t...
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
bigbookoftorcs.com/2025/12/29/t...
The APPAG Detecting Inquiry and an update on donations.
By Tess Machling [A download/print PDF version can be found at the end of the paper] Hello again folks. Hope you all had a nice break? A few things have happened since the last blog, so I thought I…
bigbookoftorcs.com
December 29, 2025 at 5:27 PM
My thoughts on the APPAG detecting report and an update on donations...
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
bigbookoftorcs.com/2025/12/29/t...
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
bigbookoftorcs.com/2025/12/29/t...
So why can't we do this with detecting?
Why not a license required to own a detector and an online test (to check knowledge of the law and Code of Practice) to be completed before license granted...?
#Archaeology #Detecting 🏺
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Why not a license required to own a detector and an online test (to check knowledge of the law and Code of Practice) to be completed before license granted...?
#Archaeology #Detecting 🏺
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Many new UK drone users must take theory test for outdoor use
The Civil Aviation Authority reckons up to half a million people in the UK may be impacted by its new requirements.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 29, 2025 at 11:11 AM
So why can't we do this with detecting?
Why not a license required to own a detector and an online test (to check knowledge of the law and Code of Practice) to be completed before license granted...?
#Archaeology #Detecting 🏺
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Why not a license required to own a detector and an online test (to check knowledge of the law and Code of Practice) to be completed before license granted...?
#Archaeology #Detecting 🏺
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Tess Machling
This is why we used a detected Bronze Age ring from Cumbria as a case study for the Cultural Heritage Capital scoping report (Appendix 3).
Valuation is complex, Waverley criteria used in some but mostly beyond scope of current legislation and will probably remain so.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Valuation is complex, Waverley criteria used in some but mostly beyond scope of current legislation and will probably remain so.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
December 28, 2025 at 10:31 AM
This is why we used a detected Bronze Age ring from Cumbria as a case study for the Cultural Heritage Capital scoping report (Appendix 3).
Valuation is complex, Waverley criteria used in some but mostly beyond scope of current legislation and will probably remain so.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Valuation is complex, Waverley criteria used in some but mostly beyond scope of current legislation and will probably remain so.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Thinking about the insurance value of That Tapestry.
£800 million.
Shows how crazy it is to try and put cash value on historically priceless things. And yet we still do...
🧵
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
£800 million.
Shows how crazy it is to try and put cash value on historically priceless things. And yet we still do...
🧵
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
December 28, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Thinking about the insurance value of That Tapestry.
£800 million.
Shows how crazy it is to try and put cash value on historically priceless things. And yet we still do...
🧵
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
£800 million.
Shows how crazy it is to try and put cash value on historically priceless things. And yet we still do...
🧵
#Archaeology #Treasure #Detecting 🏺
This 👇
A question not asked by the interviewer: At 94 have you considered what will happen to your collection when you die. Have you in place a legacy grant to enable a museum to take it and preserve it? Have you recorded information about findspot and landowner & organised transfer of title for the finds
Kislingbury metal detectorist looks back at decades of finds
December 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM
This 👇