Unusual metal detector find in Wales declared a treasure

A group of sixteen artifacts from the Iron Age and Roman periods have been declared a treasure.

They come from a discovery made by metal detectorist Ian Porter on March 4, 2020, while metal detecting in a pasture field in the parish of Llanfair-Mathafarn-Eithaf on Anglesey.

The find was first reported to Sean Derby, Lost and Found Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru) based at the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust. It was subsequently reported as a treasure find by archaeological experts at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales.

The artefact group includes a number of Iron Age chariot fittings dated to the late first century AD, and Roman cavalry fittings of a similar period. These include parts of three bridles, a terret (or rein leader), a ram’s head fitting and a set of four harness discs known as phalerae. Also discovered was a large and complete Roman copper ingot weighing 20.5 kg, probably smelted copper from the nearby Roman copper mine at Parys Mountain. Other artefacts, all of Roman date, include a decorated brooch, four coins and a lead pot repair.

The artefacts were all discovered near and in the vicinity of a spring, where they originate in a swampy area of ​​a modern field where there is a risk of waterlogging.

These unusual artifacts made of bronze, copper and lead are said to have been repeatedly given away as religious offerings around an ancient sacred spring during the late Iron Age and into the Roman-British period.

The chariot fittings, the cavalry harness pieces and the brooch were all placed around 50-120 AD, around the time of the Roman army’s invasion of the island in 60/61 AD or shortly thereafter. The coins and other artefacts suggest that there was a continuing practice of votive offerings around the spring throughout the Roman period. The youngest coin in the group was minted around 364-378 AD.

The finder, Ian Porter, said: “I was so excited when I found these items. When you consider that the last person to touch them lived nearly two thousand years ago, it shows something of the history of the island.”

Adam Gwilt, Chief Curator of Prehistory at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, said: “This culturally mixed group of artefacts, which includes both Iron Age chariot fittings and Roman cavalry fittings, is an important new find for the island.

“It was erected during or after the invasion of the island by the Roman army. This dramatic event is vividly described by the Roman author Tacitus when he wrote of the strange first encounter between Roman soldiers and Druids on Anglesey.

“This group of gifted objects illustrates how water sites, including the sacred lake at Llyn Cerrig Bach, were viewed as important sites of religious ceremonies during this time of conflict and change.

“The ram’s head mount, probably a vehicle mount or staff head, is decorated in the late Celtic art style. It is a closely observed and peculiar representation of the ram and is likely to be a future ‘star’ exhibit that many love for Oriel Môn!”

Ian Jones, Buildings and Collections Manager at Oriel Môn, said: “Since the discovery of the Iron Age artefacts from Llyn Cerrig Bach in the 1940s, Anglesey has long been associated with this important period in our history.

“This exciting new find from the island will increase our understanding and knowledge and Oriel Môn is delighted to be working with Amgueddfa Cymru and is keen to acquire it for our collection.

“The items themselves and the way they were deposited are of huge archaeological significance and offer us a lot of potential in terms of exhibition and interpretation. It will also provide fantastic opportunities for outreach and education. We know that items from this period are of interest to our visitors, so this is exciting news for all of us.”

Oriel Môn has expressed interest in acquiring this group of artefacts for his collection following independent valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee.

Each year between 50 and 80 treasure finds are reported in Wales, made by private individuals, mostly metal detectorists. Since 1997, over 700 treasure finds have been made in Wales, with the number of treasure finds steadily increasing over time. In 2023, 77 treasure finds were reported. These finds contribute important new knowledge and a better understanding of our past, a cultural resource of growing importance to Wales.

Treasure items must be properly reported and handed over to staff at PAS Cymru and Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, the leading heritage organisation responsible for treasure hunting in Wales. Curators at national museums collect accurate information and report on treasure finds and make recommendations to coroners who make independent legal judgements about treasure and its ownership.