Dated: 18/09/2024 In September 2022, a metal detectorist searching a field – with the landowner’s permission – near the village of Melsonby, North Yorkshire, discovered what is thought to be one of the biggest Iron Age hoard found in the UK. A team of archaeologists from Durham University were working in a separate field, close by, and he asked them to take a look. Experts from Durham University have been involved from the beginning – leading on the excavation and conservation of the items Historic England provided emergency funding for the excavation, assessment and conservation of the finds. The British Museum has also been involved from the beginning, providing specialist advice. The discovery is highly significant in terms of what it can tell us about Iron-Age society, technology and the wealth and power of communities at the end of the Iron Age. Over 800 objects have already been excavated and taken to Durham University, where they have been stabilised and are conserved. These items were buried deliberately and date from around 1st Century BC – 1st Century AD.
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‘Exceptional’ Iron Age hoard unlocks secrets of life in Britain 2,000 years ago
A hoard of Iron Age artifacts discovered by a metal detectorist could alter our understanding of life in Britain 2,000 years ago, researchers have said.

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