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4w ago

Melsonby Hoard Unveiled as Landmark Iron Age Discovery in Britain

The 800-item hoard, unearthed in North Yorkshire, redefines the wealth and connections of Iron Age northern Britain, with efforts underway to secure it for public display.

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The 800 objects were discovered by a detectorist in 2021, and the British Museum has now confirmed their historical significance
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Overview

  • The Melsonby Hoard, discovered in 2021 near Melsonby, North Yorkshire, consists of over 800 Iron Age artifacts, including wagon parts, ceremonial spears, and ornate cauldrons.
  • The find challenges assumptions about northern Britain, showcasing its wealth, status, and connections to continental Europe and the Roman world during the Iron Age.
  • Evidence of ritualistic destruction, such as bent iron tyres and burned high-status items, suggests symbolic practices among Iron Age elites.
  • The hoard includes the first evidence of four-wheeled wagons in Britain, alongside items adorned with Mediterranean coral and colored glass, highlighting trade networks and craftsmanship.
  • The Yorkshire Museum has launched a fundraising campaign to acquire the hoard, valued at £254,000, for public display, while ongoing research continues to analyze its historical significance.