Warren Astley Helps Open the New Jewry Wall Exhibition

At the opening of the new Jewry Wall exhibition, we were delighted to welcome Warren Astley, who joined the Mayor of Leicester and Aidan (also known as Marcellus) to cut the ribbon and officially launch this exciting new chapter for the museum.

Warren’s journey is an inspiring one. In 2012 he was diagnosed with cancer and spent a month in Glenfield Hospital. Thankfully, the diagnosis later turned out to be pneumonia, a difficult experience that prompted him to reprioritise life.

The year before, Warren’s mother-in-law, Jean Gill, had given him a metal detector. It soon became a passion. His first discovery was a Victorian penny, and as he upgraded his detector, he began uncovering Victorian jewellery and Georgian coins. His interest in history deepened, and he went on to join a metal detecting club, researching his finds and sharing knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

Warren has travelled far with his passion, taking part in digs in Sorrento, Vindolanda, and even around Mount Vesuvius. Closer to home, his story has a curious link to one of Leicester’s greatest archaeological moments: in his former career as a decorator for Leicester City Council, he often parked his van in the car park where King Richard III’s remains were later discovered.

We were honoured to have Warren play a part in the opening of the Jewry Wall exhibition and a fitting reminder of how local people continue to connect with history in remarkable ways.