Richard Brock, a seasoned metal detectorist hailing from Somerset, stumbled upon a monumental find during an expedition in the Shropshire Hills. Despite grappling with a malfunctioning device, Brock’s perseverance paid off as he unearthed a staggering 64.8g golden nugget, now dubbed ‘Hiro’s Nugget’. The nugget, believed to be the largest ever discovered in England, is expected to fetch over £30,000 at auction.
Richard Brock dug up a nugget of gold weighing 64.8g. Photo: CNN
Brock, 67, embarked on the journey after a canceled trip to Australia due to the pandemic. Armed with outdated equipment, Brock arrived at the site an hour late, only to witness his primary metal detector malfunction. Undeterred, he resorted to an old, faulty machine, which surprisingly led him to the remarkable find within minutes.
(Richard Brock via SWNS)
Reflecting on the unexpected discovery, Brock remarked, “It just goes to show that it doesn’t really matter what equipment you use. If you are walking over the find and are alert enough to what might be lurking underneath the soil, that makes all the difference.”
Richard Brock who discovered a gold nugget in the Shropshire Hills. (Richard Brock via SWNS)
The origins of the nugget in the Shropshire Hills remain shrouded in mystery, although geological features hint at its ancient past. The site’s proximity to areas rich in gold-bearing rock, coupled with its historical landscape, presents intriguing possibilities for further exploration.
(Richard Brock via SWNS)
Brock’s find, eclipsing previous discoveries in England, underscores the allure and potential of treasure hunting in unexpected locales. Auctioneers are bracing for significant interest as ‘Hiro’s Nugget’ goes under the hammer, marking a historic moment in England’s gold prospecting history.