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Metal Detectorist Discovers Centrepiece Of Henry VIII's Lost Crown Under Tree

Metal Detectorist Discovers Centrepiece Of Henry VIII's Lost Crown Under Tree

It could be worth as much as £2 million

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

A metal detectorist has discovered the centrepiece of Henry VIII's lost crown under a tree.

Kevin Duckett dug up the gold figurine in a field near Market Harborough in Northamptonshire, ending a mystery spanning more than 400 years in the process.

It could be worth up to £2 million.
Facebook/Henry 8ths crown jewel

Recalling the moment he stumbled upon the historic centrepiece, the 49-year-old told The Sun: "At first I wondered if it was a crumpled foil dish from a 1970s Mr Kipling product, or even a gold milk bottle top.

"I'd been there about 20 minutes and found nothing.

"Then I got a very loud positive signal from my detector and started to dig down before spotting something.

"It was lodged in the side of a hole just a few inches down. I carefully removed it and knew by its colour and weight that it was solid gold.

"I brushed off the soil and sat down in amazement. The rush of adrenaline and the buzz of excitement started to flow through my body.

"I was holding what appeared to be a heavy solid gold and enamelled figurine."

After taking it home and discovering 'SH' (Saint Henry) inscribed in the bottom, Kevin took it to the Historic Royal Palaces to verify his find.

The replica alongside his original find.
Facebook/Henry 8ths crown jewel

The detectorist of 20 years said: "I'll never forget the sheer excitement as I got closer to the Grand Hall where the replica sat in all its glory.

"I entered the room and my figurine's identical twin was staring right at me.

"I'm very proud to have rediscovered it for the world to enjoy and study. Henry VIII is one of Britain's most iconic kings."

His find is now being kept at the British Museum, and once officially verified, he must sell it to them for a price set by an independent board.

Lucy Worsley, chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, told The Sun: "It's great news that after centuries of subterranean slumber this little golden figure has been revealed once more.

"It is tantalising to imagine its true history."

You can learn more about the crown here.

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Henry 8ths crown jewel

Topics: UK News, Interesting