A Bronze Age hoard of international significance has been declared treasure today by H.M. Coroner for North East Wales. Dating to the Middle Bronze Age, this hoard includes a torc, bracelet, a necklace pendant and a collection of beads and rings, all of gold. The hoard was discovered by three friends Peter Skelly, William May and Joseph Perry, whilst metal-detecting in the Burton area, near Wrexham, during January this year, as we already reported on Archaeo News.
     Buried alongside the hoard were two palstaves (kinds of axes) and a chisel, within a small pot. The twisted gold wire bracelet and the pendant, made of spiralled gold wire and forming a long bead shape, are rare within Britain. One or two similar objects have been found in north-western France.
dam Gwilt, Curator of the Bronze Age Collections at the National Museums & Galleries of Wales said: "The quality of workmanship displayed on the gold bracelet is stunning, and the pendant is unique. The wide range of artefacts of gold, bronze and pottery buried together in this hoard is extremely rare. It was probably buried as a gift to the Gods by a wealthy and well-connected farming community living in this part of Wales over 3000 years ago. The hoard will significantly improve our understanding of gold working and adornment in Britain between 1300-1100 BCE."
     The National Museums & Galleries of Wales will acquire the hoard, following its independent valuation. It is anticipated that the hoard will be displayed for the first time over the summer within a major archaeological exhibition at the National Museum & Gallery in Cardiff. 'Buried Treasure: Finding Our Past' will run from May 14th till September 5th, and will showcase some of the most spectacular archaeological treasures from England and Wales.

Sources: National Museums & Galleries of Wales, News Wales (5 May 2004)