Ever watched the charming TV comedy series "The Detectorists"? Well Denham has its very own detectorists - the detecting duo, Wes and Les.
But these guys are no comedy act. They are for real and they are passionate in their hobby with a wealth of knowledge about their remarkable finds.
Here Wes and Les offer their extraordinary experiences of what lies beneath our feet in Denham
About us - Wes and Les
For us metal detecting is not just about finding valuable treasure, but about connecting with history in a tangible way. Every find, no matter how small, is a piece of the past that tells a story. We take our hobby seriously, ensuring that every hole dug is carefully filled, leaving the land exactly as we found it. Landowners appreciate our care and attention to preserving the site.
We are both proud members of the National Council for Metal Detecting, adhering strictly to its code of conduct, with each member carrying insurance. We responsibly declare our finds and share details with local museums, contributing to a broader understanding of the area’s history.
And we're always on the lookout for new land to detect around the Denham area, hoping to piece together more of the historical puzzle that makes our village so remarkable.
Exploring 'The Field': A metal detecting journey
Nestled just a short distance from the heart of Denham, ‘The Field’ has proven to be an intriguing location for metal detecting. While at first glance it appears to be an unassuming stretch of land, the discoveries beneath the soil tell a different story. Given Denham’s rich history, stretching back through the centuries, there was always the potential for fascinating finds. What we unearthed exceeded expectations, revealing a layered timeline of activity spanning several hundred years.
A journey through time
When we first started detecting here, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Denham has long been a place of historical significance, with records dating back to the Domesday Book and beyond. The sheer variety of finds has been remarkable. Coins, tokens, buckles, musket balls, and even a beautifully preserved silver spoon dating from around 1650 have all been recovered. The discoveries suggest the land has been a hub of human activity for centuries, leaving behind a metallic imprint of its past inhabitants.
Distinctive areas of discovery
Interestingly, 'The Field' seems to have distinct areas that produce different types of finds. One particularly intriguing 30-foot square section was rich in post-World War I pennies, which may indicate that this spot was frequently visited during that period. Whether it was a meeting place, a market site, or simply a well-trodden part of the land, the concentration of coins suggests a significant amount of foot traffic.
Another area yielded an abundance of buckles, further supporting the idea that the field was once a hive of activity. Buckles, particularly those from the medieval and early modern periods (1450 - 1750) were essential in everyday life, securing belts, shoes, and straps. The density of such finds suggests that this may have been a location where trade or frequent movement occurred.
Perhaps the most exciting section of 'The Field' has been the spot where a sixpence and a love token were found - both from the time of King William III (February 1689 to March 1702).
This same area also produced an exquisite silver spoon dating back to the mid-17th century, a rare and thrilling discovery. The spoon has on its back an engraving of a bird, perhaps a phoenix or perhaps a Falcon once a feature of the coat of arms of the Bowyer family of Denham Court and now of course the name of one of Denham's best known inns.
A Vast Number of Buttons: A Window into the Past
One of the most striking aspects of our metal detecting efforts in ‘The Field’ has been the sheer number of buttons unearthed. These range from ornate silver examples, possibly from military or formal wear, to simple and well-worn buttons that may have belonged to labourers working the land.
Among the finds, we have discovered buttons featuring intricate designs, including Georgian-era gilt buttons, Victorian mother-of-pearl fastenings, and even a few with regimental insignias, hinting at past military presence. Some buttons date back to the 18th century and were likely worn by farmhands, traders, or even individuals passing through the area. The variety and frequency of button discoveries suggest that the field was an active site where people regularly worked, travelled, or gathered. Each button tells its own story, whether from a labourer's tunic or a soldier's coat, providing yet another glimpse into the layered history of this land.
The discovery of Crotal Bells: A sound from the past
Among the most fascinating finds from ‘The Field’ have been several intact crotal bells dating from around 1790 to 1820. These small, round bells, often made of cast bronze, were commonly used on horse-drawn carriages and harnesses to produce a distinctive jingling sound. The purpose of crotal bells was both practical and symbolic—they helped prevent collisions in low-visibility conditions and signified wealth or prestige when attached to fine horses and carts.
One example recovered from the site features decorative patterns and markings that indicate it was likely a high-quality piece, possibly manufactured by one of the renowned 18th-century bell makers such as William Gwynn or Robert Wells. The distinct slotted design, along with its sturdy loop for attachment, suggests it was built for durability and function. The presence of multiple crotal bells reinforces the idea that this land was a well-travelled route for horse-drawn transport, perhaps even part of a historic coaching road or farmstead.
The prevalence of lead in the soil
One particularly striking feature of 'The Field' is the sheer quantity of lead present in the soil. This is not uncommon in historical sites, as lead was widely used in past centuries for various purposes, including construction, plumbing, and ammunition. Small lead fragments, possibly from musket balls or trade weights, frequently emerge from the ground. The presence of lead could indicate industrial or agricultural activity in the past, as it was often used for repairs and even as an additive in certain farming processes. While lead may not be the most thrilling find, it helps paint a picture of how the land was used over time.
Other metal remnants and horse-related finds
In addition to lead, we have found remnants of cast metal, possibly steel, which could be linked to farming tools, machinery, or even remnants of blacksmithing activity. Among the most numerous finds are horse-related artifacts, including horseshoes dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. These suggest that ‘The Field’ was heavily trafficked by working animals, supporting the idea of it being an agricultural or trade route.
Musket balls have also turned up in several locations, a reminder of the turbulent past that Britain has witnessed. These small lead projectiles may have been lost during hunting, military exercises, or even minor skirmishes. Their presence adds a touch of historical weight to the discoveries, reinforcing how this field has seen different eras of use.
There is a story told locally that in 1645 whilst the Royalists and the Parliamentarians were trying (but failing) to settle their differences which had led to the English Civil Wars at what is now the Crown and Treaty pub in Uxbridge, "The Field" may have been the camping ground for a section of the Parliamentary army. It is speculation, but perhaps the musket balls tell a story which supports the legend.
The standout find: A Roman coin of Hadrian and Zeus
Perhaps the most cherished discovery so far has been the Roman coin depicting Emperor Hadrian and Zeus. The thrill of holding a piece of history that dates back nearly 2,000 years is unmatched. This coin offers evidence that even in Roman times, people traversed or occupied this land. Such a find is not only rare but also deeply rewarding, connecting us directly to the past in a way that few other discoveries can.
Just one Field but so rich in history
‘The Field’ in Denham has proven to be an incredible location for metal detecting, offering a glimpse into centuries of history. From post-WWI pennies to medieval buckles, musket balls, and even Roman coins, each find adds another chapter to the story of this land. The presence of high-value items like the William III sixpence, love token, 17th-century silver spoon, and finely crafted crotal bells hints at moments of wealth and significance. Meanwhile, the everyday finds—lead fragments, cast metal remnants, buttons, and horse-related artifacts—paint a picture of the field’s practical use over time.
With every dig, Wes and Les uncover more of the past, deepening our understanding of the countless people who have walked on this land of Denham Village before us. Who knows what else remains hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered?
For more about the Bowyer family and their impact on Denham see on this website
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