UK Women Embrace Metal Detecting as Cultural Trend

What began as a way to pass the time during lockdowns has evolved into a significant cultural movement in the United Kingdom. Two cousins, Lucie Gray and Ellie Bruce, discovered the thrill of metal detecting close to home. Their initial discovery of a naval jacket button in their grandfather's garden led to a complete lifestyle change. Instead of pursuing careers in the fashion industry, the pair joined the family wallpaper business while dedicating their free time to their new passion.

They chronicled their adventures on the Instagram account Roman Found, which quickly attracted a global audience. The cousins are now set to release a book titled Things we found in the ground through publisher HaperCollins. Scheduled for April, the book blends personal stories with collective history. Their experience mirrors a wider trend where metal detecting has become a digital-age sanctuary, offering a way to disconnect from screens and connect with history and community.

The journey started with a simple desire for entertainment during the height of the pandemic. Lucie Gray, 34, had recently relocated from her native New Zealand to Lincoln, England, to be near her relatives. She and her cousin, Ellie Bruce, 26, decided to borrow a metal detector and search the garden of their grandfather.

The experience yielded an immediate reward: a button from a naval jacket. This small find was enough to ignite their interest. According to Gray, the discovery made them wonder what other hidden items might be buried nearby. That question would soon lead them to abandon their previous career trajectories entirely.

Following their initial success in the garden, the cousins pivoted their professional lives. Both Lucie Gray and Ellie Bruce stepped away from plans to work in the fashion industry. Instead, they joined the family enterprise, which focuses on artisanal wallpaper.

Alongside their work in the family business, they formalized their metal detecting hobby. They began sharing their finds and adventures on social media, specifically the Instagram account Roman Found. The account serves as a visual diary of their excavations and has cultivated a following that spans the globe.

Their activities have now expanded into publishing. HaperCollins is scheduled to release their book, Things we found in the ground, in April. The work is described as a collection of autobiographical stories that explore their personal discoveries while weaving in broader historical contexts.

The story of the two cousins is not an isolated incident; it represents a surge in popularity for metal detecting across the United Kingdom. Historically viewed as an eccentric hobby suited for retirees with ample free time, the activity has seen a boom in recent years.

For many, it has become a grounding mechanism in an era of digital confusion. The act of digging for objects offers a tangible connection to the past that contrasts with the abstract nature of online life. The success of Roman Found demonstrates how this traditional pastime has been revitalized by a younger, digitally native audience.

The upcoming book by Gray and Bruce encapsulates the philosophy behind their movement. By documenting what they have found, they aim to encourage others to look deeper into their surroundings. The title, Things we found in the ground, suggests that history is waiting just beneath our feet.

Through their partnership with HaperCollins, they are bringing this message to a wider audience. The book promises to offer more than just a catalog of items; it aims to tell the stories behind them. As the popularity of metal detecting continues to rise, the duo stands at the forefront of a trend that blends history, community, and adventure.