Peter Heads, a metal detectorist, found the Melsonby Hoard just before Christmas 2021. This incredible discovery has intrigued historians and archaeologists alike. Archaeologists unearthed the huge archaeological bonanza in North Yorkshire. This discovery is poised to change our understanding of wealth, status, trade and travel between Britain’s Iron Age tribes. Scholars have already called the hoard internationally significant, not just due to its condition, but because of its power to reshape historical narratives.
In 2022, Historic England was awarded £120,000 in funding. That original investment resulted in excavating the site, where archaeologists discovered one of the largest collections of artifacts ever found. The Melsonby Hoard consists of wagon and chariot fittings. It boasts 28 iron tyres and elaborate harnesses designed for no fewer than 14 horses. Elaborate coral and colored glass decoration festoon these popular harnesses, exemplifying the utmost creativity from this period of Native American craftsmanship.
The hoard features bridle bits, ceremonial spears and two remarkably detailed cauldrons. One of these cauldrons is believed to be a Roman-era wine mixing bowl. It takes us deep into the ceremonial practices of that time – truly an inspiring experience. Melsonby Hoard, £254,000. It is a window into the wealthy and cosmopolitan world that existed in what is now northern England during the Iron Age.
Keith Emerick, an expert involved in the discovery, emphasized the significance of the find:
“The scale of the find and the material in it is completely unparalleled in this country.”
Emerick further noted the exceptional nature of the discovery:
“To have something like this from the north of England is really exceptional.”
Professor Tom Moore echoed this sentiment, pointing out the extraordinary scale of the find:
“Finding a hoard or collection of 10 objects is unusual, it’s exciting, but finding something of this scale is just unprecedented.”
This challenges the idea that wealth and status followed a regional disparity across Britain during the Iron Age. Moore highlighted this shift in perspective:
“Some people have regarded the north as being impoverished compared to the iron age of the south of Britain. This shows that individuals there had the same quality of materials and wealth and status and networks as people in the south.”