Imagine uncovering a stunning 1,800-year-old Roman brooch, only to find out it was bought on eBay. This is the shocking truth behind a story that captivated historians and the public alike. Jason Price, a funeral director and amateur metal detectorist, claimed to have discovered a rare horse figurine brooch in a Lincolnshire field during a charity event in 2019. The find, dubbed the Leasingham horse brooch, was celebrated as a significant archaeological discovery, displayed in a museum, and even featured on a TV show. But here's where it gets controversial: the brooch was not unearthed from the earth but purchased online, and Price had fabricated the entire story.
Will Mason, head of culture at Lincolnshire County Council, revealed that Price had 'exploited Lincolnshire's rich heritage' by planting the brooch to deceive experts and the public. This revelation came to light in February 2023 when doubts arose about other 'Roman' items Price had submitted. Tests by Historic England confirmed the brooch was not ancient, leading to a police investigation. Lincolnshire Police discovered Price had bought it on eBay, and during interviews, he admitted to the fraud, explaining he got 'carried away' with the story. Was this a harmless hoax or a damaging betrayal of trust?
Price, 54, was sentenced to a 12-month suspended prison term at Lincoln Crown Court after pleading guilty to four charges of fraud by false representation. The court heard that Price’s actions were motivated by a desire to prompt the council to excavate a site at Long Bennington. His deception not only misled specialists but also thousands of museum visitors who were fascinated by the brooch. Dr. Lisa Brundle, the council’s finds liaison officer, described the incident as a 'betrayal' that undermined confidence in archaeological finds and wasted valuable resources.
And this is the part most people miss: Price’s fraud extended beyond the brooch. He claimed to have found numerous other items, including a Roman knee brooch, another horse figurine, an axe, and a hoard of Roman coins. When questioned about the coins’ location, he falsely claimed the site was inaccessible. A search of his home uncovered a replica of the horse brooch, further exposing his deceit.
In mitigation, Price’s defense argued he was a man of exemplary character, a former Royal Navy serviceman, and a respected local businessman. He repaid the £5,000 he received for the brooch and apologized to the community. The judge, Recorder Nicholas Bacon KC, acknowledged the seriousness of the fraud but deemed Price suitable for rehabilitation. In addition to the suspended sentence, Price was ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation activity days, 150 hours of unpaid work, and pay £1,000 in court costs and £3,250 in compensation.
Mason emphasized that such frauds are rare due to rigorous examinations of artifacts. But does this incident raise questions about the vulnerabilities in archaeological authentication processes? What measures should be taken to prevent similar deceptions in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more insights into this story and other highlights from Lincolnshire, listen to BBC Sounds or watch the latest episode of Look North. Stay informed by downloading the BBC News app for iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
