4Ownership of treasure which is found
(1)When treasure is found, it vests, subject to prior interests and rights—
(a)in the franchisee, if there is one;
(b)otherwise, in the Crown.
(2)Prior interests and rights are any which, or which derive from any which—
(a)were held when the treasure was left where it was found, or
(b)if the treasure had been moved before being found, were held when it was left where it was before being moved.
(3)If the treasure would have been treasure trove if found before the commencement of this section, neither the Crown nor any franchisee has any interest in it or right over it except in accordance with this Act.
(4)This section applies—
(a)whatever the nature of the place where the treasure was found, and
(b)whatever the circumstances in which it was left (including being lost or being left with no intention of recovery).