Metal-detecting grandma stumbles upon medieval artifact made of real gold

A metal-detecting hobbyist in Kent found a medieval gold cross after hours of searching a freshly ploughed field. The discovery matters because the delicate religious artefact may be centuries old and is now being assessed under England’s treasure process, which could determine its ownership and any reward.

Shelley Couzins, 58, found the 10.6-gram cross on the Isle of Sheppey in August and initially thought it was costume jewellery. It depicts the crucifixion of Jesus on one side and the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus on the other, and opens to hold relics. The British Museum is assessing it; its value and ownership are not yet settled, though online estimates suggest at least £20,000, with any reward expected to be shared between Couzins and the landowner. There is no evidence linking it to Henry VIII or Anne Boleyn, who visited the island in 1532.