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The Melsonby Hoard

A discovery of one of the most important Iron Age finds in decades.
Over 800 artefacts found
including iron tyres, horse harness and vehicle fittings, spear heads and cauldrons.
Dating back over 2,000 years
with artefacts dating from around 1st Century BC – 1st Century AD
Historically significant find
with items relating to feasting, parade, display and warfare - and in a largely hitherto unknown quantity

The Melsonby Hoard

The Melsonby Hoard is a highly significant discovery of Iron Age metalwork from nearly 2,000 years ago, discovered in late December 2021 by metal detectorist Peter Heads in a field near Melsonby, North Yorkshire. In collaboration with the British Museum and Historic England, Durham University's Department of Archaeology and Archaeological Services team excavated the site and oversaw the preservation of the artefacts discovered there, then began analysis of this historic find.

Read our latest news on the discovery
“The block”, containing remnants of Iron Age metalwork corroded together into a single mass.
The Find and Excavation
A decorative copper alloy finial from the Melsonby Hoard.
Artefacts
A copper alloy bridle bit from The Melsonby Hoard being cleaned under a microscope.
Analysis
Group of people looking at a CT scan, produced by MUVIS, University of Southampton, of the block of artefacts excavated from Melsonby. From left to right: Dr Keith Emerick, Inspector of Ancient Monuments, Historic England, Dr Sophia Adams, Curator, The British Museum, and Professor Tom Moore, Head of the Department of Archaeology.
Significance
We understood that this was a hoard that was of a kind of scale and size that is exceptional for Britain and even Europe.
Professor Tom Moore
Head of the Department of Archaeology, Durham University
Explore the artefacts

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