This book tells for the first time the story of how the Treasure Act got through Parliament after years of trying, in the teeth of opposition and – at first - Government indifference, drawing on unpublished documents, many generated by the author. It describes how the Portable Antiquities Scheme originated, which is now an established part of the archaeological landscape.

Roger Bland is uniquely placed to tell the story as he worked on the Treasure Bill, then devised, set up and ran the Portable Antiquities Scheme for 18 years. He retired in 2015 and is now Chair of the Treasure Valuation Committee. This book is published to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Treasure Act being passed.