KKCENT DISCOVERY OK ROMAN COINS AT SHIPLEY. 43 



two points is in a straight line, and this principle acted upon for 

 temporary purposes would make the Roman the originator even 

 of many of our bridle paths, a supposition which is by no means 

 unlikely. 



Thoughts which naturally rise to one's mind on the discovery 

 of coins, or similar hidden treasure, are, " Who put them there ? " 

 and " For what purpose were they so deposited? " The answers 

 to these questions may be as varied as the particular circumstances 

 which call for them. 



In the case under notice, we may safely say that they were 

 concealed by a Roman soldier or citizen for purposes of security. 

 " But what was the kind of danger that menaced either the person 

 or the district at the time in question ? " Presumably, one of 

 insurrection or disturbance in the neighbourhood ; a sudden 

 call away, with an expectation of returning at no distant date ; or, 

 perhaps, the concealment was the likeliest substitute for a 

 provincial bank which a thrifty person might have. Under any 

 circumstances, they are the relics of " mind," as well as of 

 " matter." 



We learn from history that Derbyshire was in a very unsettled 

 state about 275 a.d., in which year a colony of Roman soldiers at 

 Derventio (Little Chester) was besieged by Britons and put to the 

 sword. It is a significant fact that the same year also closes the 

 dates of the coins found at Shipley. 



The great empire which had spread its dominion far and wide 

 was by sure degrees, and from various causes, beginning to fade. 

 A few more years and the scattered remnants of the Roman 

 legions withdrew from our shores for the last time. 



The peculiar. incidents connected with the discovery of hidden 

 treasure have often been a matter of litigation and dispute. In 

 former times the State was very exact in claiming to itself all, or 

 part, of any "find'" for State purposes or coinage. Latterly, 

 however, its demands have been more laxative, and the general 

 custom now appears to be a compromise between the persons 

 more particularly affected. 



" Treasure trove " is defined to be " money, or coin, gold, 



