About the Melsonby Hoard

Donate today to help us keep the hoard in Yorkshire: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-melsonby-hoard

Visit our temporary display at the Yorkshire Museum.

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.

Help Save the Melsonby Hoard

The Melsonby Hoard is a game-changing discovery, shedding new light on Iron Age Britain’s technological skill, artistry, trading links and society. But without urgent action, this treasure could be lost to private collections or dispersed beyond the UK.

The value of the hoard has been assessed at £254,000. Raising this amount would be enough to save the hoard from private sale, keeping it in a public museum where it will be available for research and public display. The objects are all 2,000 years old and require professional conservation to prevent deterioration of the fragile metalwork, enamel and coral. To protect the hoard into the future we need to raise an additional £250,000 for conservation, and so our goal is to raise £500,000.

We need your help to acquire, conserve, research, and exhibit these amazing objects in the Yorkshire Museum, so everyone can share in their story. Together, we can save this incredible piece of history for future generations to enjoy.

We have put together a temporary display of a few of the objects at the Yorkshire Museum in the foyer area for a first public opportunity to glimpse this remarkable hoard. Please do visit and discover these remarkable objects for yourself.

Donate today to help us keep the hoard in Yorkshire: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-melsonby-hoard