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Late Roman Pearls Turn Up in Southampton Probate

February 16, 2020 By Richard Farrell

Southampton has an interesting history, being on the Channel coast and open to invasion by the likes of Romans and Vikings. Buried hoards of their jewellery turn up from time to time to the delight of museums. This has spawned a generation of optimists pottering with metal detectors a few of whom literally strike gold.

A solicitor I often work with directed me to a cottage in a tiny village fifteen miles inland from the coast. When I stopped by for a new battery for my camera, the lady in the post office was very helpful and directed me to address I was attending so getting this probate valuation in Southampton became much easier.

The Deceased Remarkable Collection of Roman Artifacts

The deceased lived in a small cottage so far down a country lane I might not have found it without the post office lady’s directions. I found myself in a time warp of aging furniture and collectables. I noticed there were several metal detectors leaning against a wall.

However, I was more interested in the large trestle table against the inside wall of the lounge. That’s because a collection of artifacts was weighing it down that could have only come from a Roman hoard. The somewhat-worn short stabbing sword left me in no doubt.

As I checked through old coins I came across an armlet of around twenty pearls strung together on a copper wire. The string also had a metal disc hanging from it with an engraving of a handsome young soldier’s face. Was that a son or a lover I wondered, because the owner was clearly of wealthy stock.

Piecing Together the History of the Pearl Armlet

I knew from my school history lessons that the Romans were attracted to the south coast of England by the prospect of finding saltwater pearls. I also knew the Romans favoured flashy jewellery, compared to the plain ornamentation of the Greeks because it was a clear indication of their status.

Roman women in particular loved earrings, necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and brooches for securing long, flowing clothing. Their favourite gemstones were amethysts, emeralds, and you guessed it strings of pearls. I reported my discovery to the nearest museum and continued valuing the contents of the home.

A Quick Update of What Happened Since Then

The items from the hoard did not hold much value except for the pearl armlet. The executor instructed us later to carry out a probate house clearance of the remaining items. The armlet is in safe keeping with a London auctioneer who reports great interest from collectors.

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Filed Under: Probate House Clearance, Probate Valuation Tagged With: assess, deceased estate, estate, probate, probate house clearance, probate valuation southampton, rics probate valuers, southhampton, value, will

Our House Clearance Services

We provide a full house clearance and property management solution:

  • We clear hoarded houses, regardless how big or how cluttered
  • We clear all types and sizes of property, irrespective of location, or access is restricted or where parking is difficult or not available.
  • We can help avoid water damage by draining the central heating system.
  • We can secure the property and change the locks.
  • We can reinstate the gardens and maintain them whilst the property is empty.
  • We can provide 24 hour security to eliminate the risk of squatting or unlawful occupation.

As well normal house clearances we specialise in clutter clearance and we can clear a hoarded house which may contain years of accumulated possessions, or which have abnormal amounts of general household items, sometimes as a result of compulsive hoarding syndrome.

Equally we can help to clear a property where the occupants were previously unwell and unable to care for themselves or their property which sometimes results in insanitary, dangerous or just plain unpleasant conditions.

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Client Reviews

Jenny Schon
Dec 3, 2021
 by Jenny Schon on Avery Associates
Well done

This truly is a 'one stop shop' for all things relating to Probate valuations and clearance. Jeffrey is a 'facilitator' and full marks to him for finding... Read More

Kevin Anderson
Oct 26, 2021
 by Kevin Anderson on Avery Associates
Fantastic and Reliable

Our aunt was a recluse and hoarder. She died leaving two properties in London that were dilapidated and completely hoarded. Unfortunately, because everything... Read More

It was a pleasure to assist Kevin

T. Hackett
Aug 26, 2021
 by T. Hackett on Avery Associates
1st Class Service

Avery Associates Appraisal I have just moved house after almost 30 years of occupation. My initial choice of movers, Pickfords, decided at the last... Read More

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