Digging for Fencing... or Treasure?

If You Find Treasure: A Fence and Gate Contractor's Tale



As fence and gate contractors at Sheridan Fencing, digging holes is just part of our everyday work. Whether we’re installing new fences or pulling out old ones, there’s always a bit of mystery about what might be hidden underground. In fact, customers often joke, “If you find any treasure, we’ll split it!”

It’s a fun idea, but unfortunately, we haven’t found any treasure yet! However, we do come across some interesting, quirky, and sometimes downright bizarre things buried in people’s gardens. From old glass bottles and clay jugs to bed springs (seriously, who’s burying mattresses?), there’s always something to find. And let’s not forget the nearly pristine crisp packets from the 1990s, giving us a nostalgic peek into snack times gone by.

Just this week, we uncovered the handle of a lawn roller while digging a new post hole (thankfully not the entire roller!). Check out the this photo—it’s not treasure, but it certainly adds a bit of fun to the job.55b922e5-b661-48ca-937d-727411f946abjpg


Above-Ground Finds: A Rusty Gem from a Few Years Ago

While we haven’t hit the jackpot below ground, sometimes the best discoveries are hiding in plain sight. A few years ago, we were dismantling a fence that had been patched up with all sorts of random materials (talk about a DIY masterpiece), when we came across something unexpected: a very rusty BP Motor Spirit porcelain sign.

This vintage sign, long forgotten behind the fence, was a piece of motoring history, despite its heavy rust. The customer, quite amused, let us keep it, and we ended up gifting it to a friend who loves collecting vintage memorabilia. Rusty or not, they were thrilled to add it to their collection!

It’s these kinds of finds that remind us, as fence and gate contractors, that the job isn’t just about posts and panels. Whether it’s forgotten signs or curious bits of history buried in the garden, you never know what might turn up when you replace a fence. While we’ve yet to strike gold, these quirky discoveries definitely make the job more exciting.



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(This wasnt the one we had, just an example)



The Quirky Bits We Find: Fun Facts

  • Glass bottles can take up to 1 million years to decompose, so the ones we find have truly stood the test of time!
  • Crisp packets from the 1990s? Surprisingly, they look almost new, having been perfectly preserved underground for decades.
  • Clay bottles, often used for beer or cider in the 18th and 19th centuries, are common finds in older gardens—and some can be worth a bit of money to collectors!

Need Fencing from a Fence & Gate Contractor? Let's Dig Into It!

If you’re thinking about getting a new fence or repairing an old one, give Sheridan Fencing a call. Who knows what little bits of history might be hiding in your garden, waiting to be uncovered? Whether we find a buried treasure or just make your garden look its best, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for all your fencing needs!


Sheridan fencing - Dave Relf