One of the UK’s largest and most important Iron Age finds – excavated by archaeologists at Durham University – has been saved for the nation.
The Melsonby Hoard was found by metal detectorist Peter Heads in 2021 near the village of Melsonby, North Yorkshire, northern England. It was unearthed by experts in our Department of Archaeology and from our Archaeological Services team.
Earlier this year a fundraising campaign was launched by The Yorkshire Museum to acquire the collection of over 800 artefacts, which are about 2,000 years old, for future generations.
The museum has now received £192,096 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, alongside £54,000 donated through an online fundraiser, and a further £20,000 in other donations to secure the hoard’s future.
Important implications
The Melsonby Hoard includes chariot wheels, cauldrons, horse bridles and ceremonial spears.
The quantity and variety of objects are unusual and have important implications for reassessing our understanding of Iron Age life in the north of England.
Durham University’s archaeologists and conservators excavated, stabilised, recorded and researched the find in collaboration with The British Museum as part of a legal Treasure case. This work was supported with more than £120,000 from Historic England.
Long-term preservation
Further research, conservation and analytical work will now be carried out to learn more about the hoard’s fascinating contents and ensure its long-term preservation.
It will also become an important part of the Yorkshire Museum’s public programme, sharing the discovery with visitors.
“We are delighted that the Yorkshire Museum has been successful in raising the funds to acquire the Melsonby Hoard. We look forward to working with colleagues at the museum to undertake further research and conservation of this incredible material.”
-Professor Tom Moore
Department of Archaeology
