Largest Iron Age hoard ever discovered to go on display at Yorkshire Museum

The collection of objects, said to be the biggest Iron Age hoard to be found in the UK, will be presented as part of the Chariots, Treasure and Power exhibition at the museum in York. 

The incredible items were discovered by a metal detector in a field outside the village of Melsonby in North Yorkshire in 2021. 

What the Melsonby Hoard can tell us about the Iron Age

Opening on 15th May, the display will look at what the objects tell us about the Iron Age, exploring questions around why the hoard was buried, who might have owned such lavish items and how the discovery challenges pre-existing conceptions of life, death, power and belief in the north of England 2,000 years ago. 

Many of the items were discovered fused together in what has been called ‘The Block’, a amalgamation of materials weighing more than 150kg and measuring nearly a metre across.

‘The Block’ has been left intact and takes centre stage within the exhibition. With many items hidden within the layers, 3D and CT scans have been able to reveal fragments of its contents, but there is still much more to discover.

This is the first time that the Melsonby Hoard has ever been displayed to the public and the exhibition will run until summer 2027.

The hoard has incredible far-reaching connections

The significance of the discovery is said to be heightened by its proximity to the Iron Age fortifications at Stanwick, a major centre of power for the Brigantes under Queen Cartimandua.

The Melsonby Hoard itself reflects the far‑reaching connections of these influential rulers, with objects revealing links to Denmark, the Mediterranean, and beyond. 

Emily North, curator of Archaeology at York Museums Trust said: “The hoard continues to present compelling questions. Its composition, its purpose, and the circumstances under which it was buried, burnt, and broken remain the focus of ongoing investigation. We look forward to welcoming visitors into the museum to engage with these questions, opening the doors to discussion and sharing of ideas.”

About the Yorkshire Museum

Said to be one of the earliest purpose-built museums in the country, opening in 1830, the museum is built in the grounds of York’s Abbey, St Mary’s. 

The museum houses galleries showcasing some of Britain’s finest archaeological treasures from the city’s Roman, Viking and medieval past, as well as a nationally significant natural science collection, some of which is on show in Yorkshire’s Jurassic World.

Highlights of the archaeological collections include the Roman statue of Mars, the best example of 3D Roman sculpture ever found in Britain, the York Helmet and the stunning Middleham Jewel.

Group visits to the museum

Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount on entry rates and the team recommend that group visits are booked in advance. They also offer free entry for the group leader and coach driver (one each per group).