A major fundraising campaign to save and conserve a “once-in-a-lifetime” hoard of Iron Age objects discovered in North Yorkshire has got off to a flying start.
The Melsonby Hoard is a collection of over 900 items that were buried more than 2000 years ago, found at a site located in Melsonby next to the hillfort at Stanwick.
The Yorkshire Museum fundraiser to secure the items began at 7am on Tuesday (25 March) and donors have already managed to raise more than £17,000 of its £30,000 target.
Experts say the discovery, made in 2021 by detectorist Peter Heads, could be one of the most significant ever found in the UK.
The hoard includes remains of chariot wheels, horse-harness fittings, cauldrons, vessels, and weapons.
Some of the items feature imported luxury materials such as coral and Mediterranean-style designs, suggesting international trade links dating back over two thousand years ago.
The Melsonby Hoard sheds new light on Iron Age Britain’s technological skill, artistry, and society.
However, without urgent action, the treasure could be dispersed, sold beyond the UK, or lost to private collections.
That’s why the Yorkshire Museum is seeking public help to acquire, conserve, research, and exhibit the objects at its site.
As the museum is based in Yorkshire, it has the first opportunity to acquire the collection.
Dr Andrew Woods, head of collections and research at York Museums Trust, said, “If we don’t act now, this once-in-a-generation prehistoric treasure could be scattered or lost forever.”
The collection has been valued at £254,000, which needs to be raised to save the hoard from private sale and keep it in public display.
Additionally, as each item is over 2,000 years old, professional conservation is required to prevent deterioration of the fragile metalwork, enamel, and coral.
This means an extra £250,000 is needed to protect the hoard for future generations.
In total, the Museum aims to raise £500,000.
Sonia Mackelworth, head of audience and programming at the Yorkshire Museum, told YorkMix that, should they acquire the collection, a major exhibition will be created around it.
“We’ve got incredible Roman collections here, and the items just provide a broader, richer story of Yorkshire,” she said.
For more information on the discovery, check out our previous article. To donate, click here.