A new consultation seeks views on the draft Heritage (Jersey) Law 202- (the ‘Draft Law’), to protect archaeological objects and associated information, to 08 September.
The Government of Jersey writes:
The need for heritage legislation in Jersey, to protect archaeological objects and associated information, has been recognised since the late 1990s, in response to the adoption of the 1996 Treasure Act and Portable Antiquities Scheme in England and Wales. In addition to other jurisdictions adopting comprehensive legislation, Jersey has commitments as a signatory to several treaties and conventions.
Jersey’s existing approach relies heavily on customary law and unwritten conventions, which do not provide sufficient clarity or protection. In recent years, with the finding of the Le Catillon II Hoard and a lack of a legal framework on how to manage the find, there has been a desire to bring forward comprehensive legislation.
The Draft Law aims to:
- Ensure that Jersey complies with international standards and conventions
- Ensure robust legislation for the protection and management of finds of national, archaeological, and historical significance to Jersey, is in place.
About the Draft Law
Key provisions of the Draft Law include:
- Mandatory reporting: All archaeological objects discovered – whether by chance or through activities such as metal detecting – must be reported to the Finds Liaison Officer at Jersey Heritage within 14 days.
- Historic Environment Record (HER): All significant reported finds will be recorded in a statutory HER, maintained by Jersey Heritage.
- Inquest process: The Viscount will conduct inquests for the most significant finds to determine whether they qualify as Treasure Trove or Jersey National Antiquities.
- Ownership: Treasure Trove will be held in trust for the Crown by the Minister. Jersey National Antiquities will become the property of the Public of the Island.
- Preservation: The Minister will ensure that both Treasure Trove and Jersey National Antiquities are preserved and made accessible to the public by depositing them with Jersey Heritage.
- Reward system: A fair reward system will recognise the contributions of both the finder and the landowner. Rewards will be based on expert advice and linked to the market value of the object.
- Expert advice: The Minister must consult qualified experts in archaeology, history, and numismatics to determine appropriate rewards.
- Licensing of archaeological work: Intrusive archaeological investigations on non-designated sites will require a license…
