Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard
Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard
Now open until Summer 2027
Included in general admission | Book Now
The Yorkshire Museum’s brand new exhibition, Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard, presents the unprecedented discovery of the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork to ever be found in Britain, the Melsonby Hoard.
Around 30% of the 800 objects discovered outside the village of Melsonby in North Yorkshire in 2021, including fragments of vehicles, adornments from horse harnesses, weapons and hundreds of other individual items that make up the momentous discovery will be displayed together for the first time. Taking centre stage, ‘The Block’, an amalgamation of materials that were found fused together weighing over 150kg and measuring nearly a metre across, allowing visitors to see this extraordinary structure.
The objects will be showcased alongside digital resources and interactives, inviting visitors to get up close to the discovery and dive into the archaeological, scientific, and conservation work shaping future research.
Chariots, Treasure and Power marks the initial stages of research on the hoard, outlining the current understandings of Iron Age Britain and exploring life before the arrival of the Romans, and asking the questions, why was the hoard buried, why were the objects burnt and destroyed and who might have owned these lavish items?
The significance of the discovery is heightened by its proximity to the Iron Age fortifications at Stanwick, a major centre of power for the Brigantes under Queen Cartimandua. The Melsonby Hoard itself reflects the far‑reaching connections of these influential rulers, with objects revealing links to Denmark, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of Yorkshire’s most amazing archaeological discoveries up-close!
Help Preserve the Melsonby Hoard for Future Generations
The Melsonby Hoard is a game-changing discovery, shedding new light on Iron Age Britain’s technological skill, artistry, trading links and society. Without the urgent action taken, this treasure could have been lost to private collections or dispersed beyond the UK. It is now secured by the Yorkshire Museum thanks to the National Memorial Heritage Fund, donations from the public and other donations.
This is only the beginning of the story, the Yorkshire Museum will continue to work in partnership to undertake a careful programme of conservation to reveal more of the hoard’s beauty and to keep it protected for future generations, as well as research into the objects, their context and significance for understanding life in the Iron Age. Therefore, we will be continuing our fundraising efforts throughout the run of the exhibition to support these next steps for the hoard.
Support our work by donating today. There are two ways you can directly support the vital work of this incredible discovery:
Adopt an Object from the Melsonby Hoard
Contribute to our Crowdfunder project, ‘Save the Melsonby Hoard’
York Museums Trust extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to the people of Melsonby and all others that have supported the project so far.
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