Police investigate illegal metal detecting at Lydford Castle

Police and heritage officials are investigating a case of illegal metal detecting, known as nighthawking, at one of Devon’s most significant historic sites—Lydford Castle and Saxon Town. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the ongoing threat of heritage crime across the UK.

The unauthorised activity involved the digging of multiple holes at the Scheduled Monument, which is protected under law and managed by English Heritage. The damage occurred at a site steeped in over a thousand years of history.

Lydford Castle, located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, features a prominent 13th-century tower built as a prison. The site also includes a Norman earthwork castle and the remnants of Saxon town defences. Once infamous for its harsh justice, the castle became a symbol of law and authority in medieval Devon.

“This kind of activity is not only illegal but deeply damaging,” said Mark Harrison, Head of Heritage Crime Strategy at Historic England. “The offenders are stealing from all of us and damaging something which is often irreplaceable.”

Harrison acknowledged that the majority of metal detectorists follow established laws and codes of conduct, but warned that the few who do not pose a serious threat to the nation’s cultural heritage.

“Significant progress has been made tackling heritage crime, but there is more that can be done,” he added. “With the support of government, the hard work of the police, and the help of the community and volunteers, we can help ensure that our heritage is protected and preserved for future generations.”

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they were alerted after reports of recent unauthorised digging at the site.
“We were notified following a report of a number of holes recently being dug at the English Heritage site Lydford Castle and Saxon Town without permission,” a spokesperson said. “At this time, there are no viable lines of enquiry however if further evidence comes to light the incident can be re-visited.”

Nighthawking typically involves the use of metal detectors at night to illegally recover historical artefacts from protected land. These artefacts are often sold on the black market, with no record of their origin, stripping them of historical context and value.

Heritage crime has become a growing focus for law enforcement and preservation bodies in recent years. Organisations such as Historic England have worked closely with police and local communities to prevent damage and raise awareness.

Members of the public who have information about the Lydford Castle incident or any suspicious activity at heritage sites are urged to contact Devon and Cornwall Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.