Melsonby Hoard: Unearthing Iron Age Wealth and Status in Northern England, Challenging Historical Narratives

A significant Iron Age hoard, containing over 800 objects, was discovered near Melsonby, North Yorkshire, in late 2021. Dating back to the 1st century AD, around the time of the Roman conquest, the find is linked to the Brigantes tribe. The hoard includes wagon or chariot parts, harnesses for horses, ceremonial spears, and ornate cauldrons. Experts suggest the find could lead to a reassessment of wealth, status, trade, and travel among Iron Age tribes in Britain. The discovery, made by metal detectorist Peter Heads, prompted excavations in 2022, funded by Historic England. The artifacts, valued at £254,000, reveal that the northern tribes possessed similar wealth and status to those in the south, challenging previous assumptions. The Yorkshire Museum plans to launch a fundraising campaign to secure the hoard for the nation. The find includes evidence of four-wheeled wagons, potentially influenced by continental Europe, marking a significant addition to the understanding of Iron Age technology and society.