The Care of Cathedrals Rules 2006

Preliminary arrangements and notification in relation to objects which may be treasure

2.—(1) Where an object is discovered within the precinct and it falls within criteria published from time to time by the Commission, after consultation with the Secretary of State, as to preliminary consideration of an object as a potential treasure object, then as soon as reasonably practicable—

(a) the discovery of the object and a preliminary description of the object shall be notified to the administrator by or on behalf of the person who discovers the object;

(b) the administrator shall notify the cathedral archaeologist (if and in so far as he or she is not already aware of it) of the information received under paragraph (a) above;

(c) the administrator shall ensure that such information in relation to the object as the cathedral archaeologist may advise is recorded in writing; and

(d) the cathedral archaeologist, after examining the object and taking such advice, if any, as he or she thinks necessary, shall notify the Chapter and the administrator in writing whether in his or her opinion it is or is not, as the case may be, a potential treasure object.

(2) The Chapter shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that the requirements of sub-paragraph (1) above are complied with.

(3) On receiving notification in writing from the cathedral archaeologist under paragraph (1)(d) above that an object discovered within the precinct is a potential treasure object, the administrator shall—

(a) within 14 days notify the Commission in writing of the discovery;

(b) as soon as reasonably practicable obtain expert advice as to the conditions which are appropriate for the preservation of the object, and ensure that it is kept in secure and appropriate conditions having regard to that advice; and

(c) as soon as reasonably practicable arrange for the object to be recorded in the inventory maintained under rule 28 of these rules and designated as treasure in that inventory in accordance with directions issued by the Commission.

(4) On receipt by the Commission of any written notification from the administrator under paragraph (3)(a) above, the secretary to the Commission shall report the discovery of the potential treasure object, in writing, to—

(a) the Secretary of State or the designated person if any; and

(b) the Vicar-General.