Post by L Roebuck on Mar 20, 2006 9:49:56 GMT -5
Experts to preserve rare swords found in region
Alexandra Wood
ONE of the most important archaeological discoveries in East Yorkshire in years is to be put under the spotlight by a leading team of experts.
The hoard of Iron Age weapons found at South Cave in 2002 will eventually take a starring role at the new £5m Treasure House complex in Beverley when it opens in early 2007. But before then they need to be cleaned up.
The Museum of London Archaeology Service (Molas), which includes experts from the British Museum, has been awarded a contract by East Riding Council to preserve the finds.
The team will carry out detailed analysis of the finds – three iron swords in bronze scabbards covered in beautiful Celtic decorations, and a bundle of 2ft long socketed spearheads – and produce a report to go out in a major archaeological journal.
The hoard was probably originally wrapped up in a cloth bag with leather straps and tightly bound. Buried in earth, the weapons rusted together in the 2,000 years they spent in the earth before they were discovered by three men with metal detectors in what was described as a "once in a century" find.
David Marchant, the council's museums registrar, said: "We are really looking forward to working with Molas, who will bring their enormous experience in conservation and producing archaeological publications to the project.
The team includes leading experts in the fields of Iron Age archaeology and weaponry.
"They will be able to produce a high quality study of the finds and bring them to a condition where they can be displayed in the Treasure House, for the enjoyment and education of our visitors."
The project is being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which awarded a grant of £130,500. Some £95,000 went to the finders and the landowner.
alex.wood@ypn.co.uk
17 March 2006
www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=1084&ArticleID=1389773
Alexandra Wood
ONE of the most important archaeological discoveries in East Yorkshire in years is to be put under the spotlight by a leading team of experts.
The hoard of Iron Age weapons found at South Cave in 2002 will eventually take a starring role at the new £5m Treasure House complex in Beverley when it opens in early 2007. But before then they need to be cleaned up.
The Museum of London Archaeology Service (Molas), which includes experts from the British Museum, has been awarded a contract by East Riding Council to preserve the finds.
The team will carry out detailed analysis of the finds – three iron swords in bronze scabbards covered in beautiful Celtic decorations, and a bundle of 2ft long socketed spearheads – and produce a report to go out in a major archaeological journal.
The hoard was probably originally wrapped up in a cloth bag with leather straps and tightly bound. Buried in earth, the weapons rusted together in the 2,000 years they spent in the earth before they were discovered by three men with metal detectors in what was described as a "once in a century" find.
David Marchant, the council's museums registrar, said: "We are really looking forward to working with Molas, who will bring their enormous experience in conservation and producing archaeological publications to the project.
The team includes leading experts in the fields of Iron Age archaeology and weaponry.
"They will be able to produce a high quality study of the finds and bring them to a condition where they can be displayed in the Treasure House, for the enjoyment and education of our visitors."
The project is being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which awarded a grant of £130,500. Some £95,000 went to the finders and the landowner.
alex.wood@ypn.co.uk
17 March 2006
www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=1084&ArticleID=1389773