Melsonby Hoard: A Legacy to Protect For The Nation

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In 2021, metal detectorists discovered hundreds of Iron Age artefacts buried near the village of Melsonby in North Yorkshire. A team of archaeologists from Durham University excavated the hoard, uncovering over 800 objects including chariot wheels, cauldrons, horse bridles and ceremonial spears.

The unusual quantity and variety of the objects in the Melsonby Hoard make it a groundbreaking discovery for Iron Age research and for reassessing our understanding of Iron Age life in the north of England.

This extraordinary collection has been acquired by Yorkshire Museums Trust thanks to a £192,096 grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and a successful public fundraising campaign.

The Yorkshire Museum now plans to continue its fundraising efforts to support the conservation, research and display of the hoard. It will become an important part of the museum’s public programme, allowing its secrets to be shared with museum visitors.

Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “The Melsonby Hoard throws bright new light on Iron Age life in Yorkshire and beyond. 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.”