DOWSER and e-soldier, Steve Dawson, enjoys the challenge of solving historical mysteries.

This month he spoke to the South Herefordshire Dowsers about his latest project: how and where a huge mediaeval baggage train of treasure belonging to King John was lost on October 9, 1216 in The Wash area of Norfolk.

"It's 90% homework and 5% dowsing", says Steve, who used IDAR aerial scans, contemporary accounts and historical weather records to show that a series of freak tidal waves that day would have rushed ashore, engulfing the party before any survivors could reach the safety of the sea defences.

The treasure itself is now thought to be buried at least 30 feet down over a wide area near Fosse Bridge.

The next SHD public talk will be on September 7 at Aston Ingham when Grace Edgar will share the results of the Cardiff Dowsers' survey of their city.