Gold to be found in the UK?

Gold and other precious metals have been mined within the UK for thousands of years and lucrative buying and selling of Gold (copper and tin) was probably one of the main reasons the Romans invaded England and Wales. Gold has been found in North and mid-Wales, Cornwall and parts of Scotland. It can be extracted from the ground or found in steams.

Believe it or not there are gold prospectors within the UK who pan for gold within streams where tiny flakes to substantial nuggets are to be and have been found. Most of the readily accessible gold can be found today in Scotland in the areas of Kildonan, Wanlockhead and Leadhills. This occurs when gold is flushed out of the quartz by water erosion. It settles along the bottom of the Scottish burns.

Historically during the 16h century Scottish panned Gold was contributed to the making of coinage for the court of James V and it is said was utilised to make his crown!

There was even a Gold rush of sorts mainly in 1868 which was mainly concentrated in the Kildonan area and founded by a certain Mr Robert Nelson Gilchrist who had gained prospecting experience in Australia. Panning licenses were given and indeed a small town of Baile-an-or situated on the banks of the river Helmsdale was born.

However prosperity was not to be easily achieved and on-going disruption to landowners meant that licenses were taken away and within a year the gold rush ended.

It is worth noting that if you fancy it, you can apply for a license and undergo a little prospecting of your own today in the area and should you be lucky enough then remember you can ascertain the best prices for your gold and initial worth here!

For more detailed information behind the geology of this article please visit the British Geological Survey.