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Skyfall! Boy Finds Space Rock, Buys Bike
24 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A meteorite fragment landed in Barwell, Leicestershire, on Christmas Eve 1965.
- A teenager discovered a piece and sold it for £23 to buy a new bicycle.
- Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore authenticated the space rock discovery.
On Christmas Eve 1965, a meteorite broke apart over the village of Barwell, Leicestershire, scattering fragments across the landscape. Among the debris, a teenager named David Radford discovered a substantial piece of the ancient space rock. He found the fragment, weighing 1.3kg, in a hole created by its impact.
After authenticating the find with the help of Sir Patrick Moore and a museum official, David sold the meteorite. He received £23, the equivalent of 10 shillings per ounce, and used the money to purchase a 10-speed Raleigh racing bicycle. This purchase fulfilled his long-held desire for a new bike.
The event sparked a passion for astronomy in others, like Graham Ensor, who was nine at the time. Ensor has since traveled globally, including to America, due to his interest in meteorites. He advises potential finders to look for a 'fusion crust,' a black, melted exterior, and thumbprint-like indentations.
