Jennie Fitzgerald, a beach enthusiast and a member of the North Norfolk Beach Cleans group, never expected that her routine cleanup along the coastline would lead to an extraordinary discovery. On a crisp March day, between Cart Gap and Happisburgh, she stumbled upon more than just the usual sea glass and shells.
As she combed through the shore with her fellow volunteers, her sharp eye caught sight of what initially seemed like a piece of driftwood. Closer inspection revealed a weathered wooden chest, half-buried beneath a sandbank and sheltered by a low cliff. Jennie’s heart raced as she uncovered the 10-inch box, revealing its hidden contents – a treasure trove of history.
Around 100 old coins, gems, a rusted pocket watch and a signet ring were in the chest found by Jennie Fitzgerald, pictured
The chest, weighing about 3 pounds, held a collection of around 100 ancient coins, dazzling gems, a rusted pocket watch, and a significant signet ring. Mrs. Fitzgerald, a 38-year-old medical secretary, marveled at her unexpected find. “I’ve never found anything like this on a beach before. Normally I’m looking for sea glass and shells, so it was incredible,” she exclaimed.
Examining the coins, she identified Victorian currency, some dating back to George III’s reign, and even a few that appeared Roman. Among the treasures were a couple of medieval groats, adding an extra layer of historical intrigue to the discovery.
Jennie, along with her husband James and their children Harrison and Darcey, carefully transported the chest back to their home in Norwich. With old toothbrushes in hand, the family delicately cleaned away the sand, revealing the remarkable craftsmanship of each piece.
Apart from the coins and gems, the chest held additional surprises—an ornate perfume bottle, an iron key, and a silver matchstick holder engraved with the name Ernest. The Fitzgeralds marveled at the richness of their unexpected bounty.
The next step in their adventure involved handing the treasure chest over to Norfolk County Council. There, the find would be evaluated for its historical significance, possibly involving a coroner to determine its rightful custodian. As discussions unfolded, Mrs. Fitzgerald couldn’t help but chuckle at her children’s dreams of newfound wealth.
“Their imaginations have been running wild. Harrison thought he was dreaming. He wants the best Lego set,” she shared, realizing that, in the end, the true value of their discovery lay not just in the ancient treasures but in the magical journey that unfolded on a routine day of beach cleaning.