Save the Melsonby Hoard!

The Melsonby Hoard is a game-changing discovery, shedding new light on Iron Age Britain’s technological skill, artistry, trading links and society. But without urgent action, this treasure could be lost to private collections or dispersed beyond the UK.

Donate today to help us keep the hoard in Yorkshire: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-melsonby-hoard

In 2021 metal detectorists unearthed a vast array of Iron Age metalwork in Melsonby North Yorkshire. Over 800 objects were uncovered, including parts of vehicles such as chariots, weapons and cauldrons, as well as hundreds of individual items.

This is the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork found in the UK. The site is located next to the hillfort at Stanwick, the royal capital of Cartimandua, queen of the Brigantes tribe, and less than fifty miles from the Yorkshire Museum.

The value of the hoard has been assessed at £254,000. Raising this amount would be enough to save the hoard from private sale, keeping it in a public museum where it will be available for research and public display. The objects are all 2,000 years old and require professional conservation to prevent deterioration of the fragile metalwork, enamel and coral. To protect the hoard into the future we need to raise an additional £250,000 for conservation, and so our goal is to raise £500,000.

We need your help to acquire, conserve, research, and exhibit these amazing objects in the Yorkshire Museum, so everyone can share in their story. Together, we can save this incredible piece of history for future generations to enjoy.

We have put together a temporary display of a few of the objects at the Yorkshire Museum in the foyer area for a first public opportunity to glimpse this remarkable hoard. Please do visit and discover these remarkable objects for yourself.