Amateur metal detectorist, 45, unearths rare haul of 1,000-year-old coins from the Battle of Roslin where Scots first fought for independence
- Known as the First War of Scottish Independence it took place in 1303
- More than 20,000 English soldiers were killed in the bloody battle
- Coins are now being studied by academics from the Scottish Treasure Trove unit at the National Museum of Scotland
An amateur historian has unearthed a haul of silver coins at the site of the Battle of Roslin — the First War of Scottish Independence in 1303.
The 200 coins were discovered by Jaroslaw Musialkowski, 45, his brother Marcin, 47, and his nephew Kacper, 23 on March 19 hidden beneath a tree at an undisclosed location.
Academics from the Scottish Treasure Trove unit at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, are now studying the priceless finds.
Some of the currency appears to bear a resemblance to English monarch King Edward I, who reigned from 1272 until 1307, while other coins appear to be Irish.
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The 200 coins were discovered by Jaroslaw Musialkowski, 45, his brother Marcin, 47, and his nephew Kacper, 23 on March 19 hidden beneath a tree
Mr Musialkowski, 45, (picture) said: ‘We had found some silver at the site before, but nothing of this level’
Mr Musialkowski, 45, said: ‘We had found some silver at the site before, but nothing of this level.
‘We had some archaeological experts come down and excavate the site.
‘They picked up some items but not many.
‘It was only after we went back and found 44 more coins that we realised we were really on to something.’
The Battle of Roslin took place in 1303, when Scottish forces led by Guardian of Scotland John Comyn, defeated English troops.
More than 20,000 English soldiers were killed despite the Scots army having less than half those numbers.
It is thought that around 2,000 English soldiers survived – out of 30,000 sent onto the battlefield.
The three family members returned to the site at various points over several days and eventually unearthed more than 200 coins
Amateur historian Jaroslaw Musialkowski (pictured) discovered the 14th century coins from a former military camp near the site of the Battle of Roslin
Amateur historian Mr Musialkowski, originally from Puck, in Poland, said: ‘There is a theory from local people that it could be working women’s silver.
‘There were thousands of men in the camp so it is possible.
‘But I think it is more likely to have been payment for mercenaries who took part in the battle.
‘Those hiring them would not have wanted to pay out before they were killed – it is much cheaper to just pay who is left.
‘So I think it is possible it was buried with the intention of digging it up later, but we have to wait and see what the museum says.’
He said he has discounted the idea it came from an ‘after-battle looting’ of fallen soldiers, due to the absence of jewellery and weapons.
Pottery was also found at the undisclosed site, in Midlothian, when the discovery was made in March.
A spokesman for the Scottish Treasure Trove unit confirmed they are now assessing the find, but were unable to comment further until each item has been appraised.
Pottery was also found at the undisclosed site, in Midlothian, when the discovery was made in March (pictured)
