WW1 History | Buttons, Buckles & a Jetton! | Epsom Downs | Metal Detecting UK

In this episode, we take our detectors to the historic grounds of Epsom Downs in Surrey, a site steeped in First World War history. What lies beneath the turf of this iconic landscape once echoed with the footsteps of thousands of soldiers preparing for war. Welcome to the location of the Tadworth Camp, a sprawling WW1 army training camp that stretched from Epsom Downs and Tattenham Corner to Walton-on-the-Hill and Tadworth. Between 1914 and 1918, over 8,000 men passed through this area, living in what was described as a "miniature city of marquees and tents." These soldiers trained in trench warfare, gas defense, shooting drills, and more before being sent to the front lines in Europe. The Royal Fusiliers were among the first to arrive in late 1914, with many billeted in houses or even railway carriages at Tattenham Corner Station. By the spring of 1915, eleven formal camp sites had been constructed—including five in Walton-on-the-Hill. The camp played host to units like the London Territorials, artillery, volunteer field ambulances, and even the Guards, including the 2nd Welsh Guards, who spent the entire summer of 1916 training here. This dig allowed us to touch the past—quite literally. Each signal, each find, connects us to the incredible stories and sacrifices of the men who trained here. 🎥 Watch as we explore these historic grounds and uncover relics from a century ago. You won't believe what we find! 🕒 Timestamps 0:00 Intro 2:34 Murray's spectacle buckle 4:09 Murray's Edward Vii silver shilling 5:28 More WW1 buttons 5:50 Ashley's old ring 8:10 Off to the pub 🧭 Help Us Unearth More Local History! If you're a landowner in Tadworth, Epsom, or Walton-on-the-Hill, we'd love the opportunity to responsibly detect on your land. We're passionate about preserving local history and sharing it with the community. ✅ We pay for permission ✅ We're fully insured with public liability cover 📩 Get in touch if you'd like to help us bring more hidden history to light! https://beardedbleepers.co.uk #MetalDetecting #WW1History #EpsomDowns #TadworthCamp #SurreyHistory #BattlefieldArchaeology #MetalDetectingUK #Surrey #Walton-on-the-hill #Tadworth #Epsom