Robert Farrer

Robert Farrer

2009

In 2009 Culture Vannin’s prestigious cultural award, the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan, was presented to Peel man Robert Farrer. Then Chairman of Culture Vannin, the Hon. Anne Craine MHK, presented Mr Farrer with the award in a ceremony that took place in the Millennium Room in Legislative Buildings.

Robert Farrer has devoted more than thirty years to the discovery and rescue of many important historical finds in the Isle of Man. His interest began when he took up metal detecting in the 1970s and since then he has built up an immense knowledge of Manx historical events and archaeological sites. He shares his knowledge with great enthusiasm and believes that every discovery sheds more light on the Island’s history.

In 2008 he and a fellow detectorist discovered a rare Viking sword pommel – a find of a lifetime! Robert was praised by archaeologists at Manx National Heritage for the careful way in which he carried out procedures and for immediately handing the object in for identification. This important artefact has now been added to the national collection, adding significantly to our knowledge of Vikings in Mann.

Robert was the driving force behind the Manx Metal Detecting Club in the 1980s, which led to the discovery of a large mediaeval coin hoard. He has encouraged others to take up the hobby, and his responsible attitude towards metal detecting has promoted a deeper understanding of this increasingly respected past-time amongst both academics and the public. Latterly he formed the Manx Detectorists Society.

Robert’s keen interest in field walking has resulted in the discovery of a number of new archaeological sites, most notably the Billown Neolithic site. The Manx Museum now houses a number of important artefacts, which have only come to light as a result of Robert’s work and those of his colleagues. This was recognised some time ago with an exhibition at the House of Manannan on finds discovered by metal detecting.

Mr Farrer was presented with a cheque for £500 to give to a Manx organisation of his choice. He chose the Leece Museum in Peel to be the recipient of this grant.

An oral history interview with Rob Farrer RBV, covering many aspects of his life and work, is available here.