Help the Yorkshire Museum to Save the Melsonby Hoard

Visit the temporary display in the entrance at the Yorkshire Museum.

Image credit Gareth Buddo

Donate today to help to keep the hoard in Yorkshire:   

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-melsonby-hoard

In 2021 metal detectorists unearthed a vast array of Iron Age metalwork in Melsonby North Yorkshire. Over 800 objects were uncovered, including parts of vehicles such as chariots, weapons and cauldrons, as well as hundreds of individual items.

This is the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork found in the UK. The site is located next to the hillfort at Stanwick, the royal capital of Cartimandua, queen of the Brigantes tribe, and less than fifty miles from the Yorkshire Museum.

This hugely significant discovery, announced today, is an archaeological time capsule from 2,000 years ago which was buried in the first century around the time of the Roman conquest of southern Britain. The quantity and variety of objects are highly unusual for the Iron Age. The hoard includes partial remains of more than seven wagons and chariots, elaborate harnesses for at least 14 horses, three ceremonial spears, two ornate cauldrons, an iron mirror and personal adornments. Similar objects found in Denmark and coral imported from the Mediterranean reveal a community with international connections.

A large amount of the material within the hoard was either burnt or broken at the time of burial, suggesting a symbolic process of people showing their wealth and power by destroying the objects.

Further Information on the University of Durham website:

https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/archaeology/melsonby-hoard/news/