A remarkable collection of Iron Age artefacts discovered by a metal detectorist has been secured for the nation after a successful funding campaign. The Yorkshire Museum has received £192,096 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, combined with public donations, to acquire the extraordinary Melsonby Hoard.
The 2,000-year-old treasure trove was unearthed in a farmer's field near the North Yorkshire village of Melsonby in 2021. Metal detectorist Peter Heads made the initial discovery and properly reported his find to the authorities.
Archaeological breakthrough emerges
The site yielded more than 800 Iron Age artefacts, including chariot wheels, cauldrons and horse bridles. A team of Durham University archaeologists, working with advice from the British Museum, carefully excavated the hoard from two ditches.
The remarkable variety of objects has enabled archaeologists to make significant breakthroughs in understanding Iron Age society. The discovery challenges previous assumptions by demonstrating that power and wealth were not exclusively concentrated in southern England.
Museum secures historic collection
Thanks to the National Heritage Memorial Fund, a public crowdfunding campaign and other donations, the Yorkshire Museum in York has successfully acquired the entire collection. This acquisition will enable extensive research, conservation and analytical work to continue.
Kathryn Blacker, chief executive of York Museums Trust, said: "Thanks to the incredible support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, as well as generous donations from members of the public, the hoard will remain here in Yorkshire, to be made available for everyone to see and to enjoy."
Research continues into ancient past
Blacker emphasised the museum's commitment to studying the finds further. "We remain committed to researching and conserving these unprecedented finds to improve our understanding of our shared past and securing them for future generations," she said.
Simon Thurley, chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, highlighted the discovery's significance. "The Melsonby Hoard throws bright new light on Iron Age life in Yorkshire and beyond," he said.
Heritage preserved for future generations
Thurley explained that keeping the collection intact and in Yorkshire would enable crucial research to continue. "We are pleased to support this acquisition which will keep the hoard intact, in the county in which it was buried and enable research to take place to gain a deeper insight into its origin and history," he said.
The memorial fund exists to preserve the UK's most outstanding heritage in memory of those who gave their lives for the country. Thurley described the Melsonby Hoard as part of "the growing and timeless collection of UK heritage that belongs to all of us forever".
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.