Historians are astounded by the discovery of an ancient bronze coin by Benfleet Creek which dates back to one of the biggest battles of the borough's past.
Paul Elmy, of Hall Farm Road, was digging the foundations for an extension to his house when he stumbled across a number of pieces of pottery and coins.
When he showed his find to experts at Southend Museum they identified the pottery as 3rd to 4th Century, and one of the coins as from the Byzantine empire dating from 850 to 950AD.
The Byzantine coin is believed to come from the era of the bloody Battle of Benfleet, fought in 894 AD when an encampment of Danes was driven out by the troops of King Alfred the Great.
Norman Chisman, president of the Benfleet and District Historical Society, first set eyes on the coin when helping out on a school trip, with Paul's wife Lesley.
He said: "This is a very exciting discovery, one that is immensely important to both Benfleet's and Castle Point's history and heritage.
Published Monday August 2, 2004
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