Tom Moore, head of the University of Durham’s Archaeology department, received an urgent call just before Christmas in 2021 from amateur metal detectorist Peter Heads, who claimed to have discovered an important archaeological find.
After more than three years of careful excavation, Mr. Moore and his team have announced that the discovery could significantly alter historians’ understanding of the Iron Age period in northern England, which dates back around 2,000 years.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, stated that the find is one of the most important Iron Age discoveries in the U.K., providing new insights into Iron Age life and its connections with Europe.
Since the initial discovery, the excavation team has collected over 800 artifacts, primarily from the Iron Age, including cauldrons, a wine-mixing bowl, coral-coated horse harnesses, ceremonial spears, and 28 iron wheels, likely from a chariot or wagon. This collection, known as the Melsonby hoard, challenges previous assumptions about transportation in Britain’s Iron Age elite.
The Melsonby hoard exemplifies how Britain's treasure laws protect significant finds. Under British law, items older than 300 years and containing at least 10 percent precious metal are classified as “treasure” and become the property of the crown. Mr. Heads promptly reported his find to local historians, allowing for the site’s protection and legal processing.
Professor Moore mentioned that the excavation was conducted quietly to prevent unauthorized access and to preserve the site until the artifacts could be properly evaluated. The estimated value of the find is around £254,000 (approximately $329,000).
Mr. Wilson praised Mr. Heads for responsibly notifying archaeologists, highlighting the importance of adhering to metal detecting laws, which require reporting potential treasure finds. Metal detectors can be used on private land with permission, but any items deemed treasure must be reported, with proceeds from sales shared between the detectorist and landowner.
Mr. Heads discovered the Melsonby hoard while detecting on a friendly landowner's property. Recognizing the potential significance of the find, he contacted Mr. Moore to bring a professional team to the site.
Efforts are underway to transfer the hoard to the Yorkshire Museum, which is conducting a crowdfunding campaign to acquire the collection. Adam Parker, the museum’s curator of archaeology, emphasized the importance of retaining the artifacts in North Yorkshire, stating that it reflects the region's history and its people.
For Mr. Parker, Mr. Moore, and their colleagues, the ability to discuss the Melsonby find publicly is a significant relief, as the discovery was kept confidential during the assessment process. Professor Moore expressed excitement about finally being able to begin the research process on the artifacts.