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25
Jan 2024
Study unlocks secrets of the Knaresborough Hoard
A university study has made some fascinating discoveries about the mysterious Knaresborough Hoard.
The hoard, which consists of 30 items discovered in 1864, is the only known example of a late Roman hoard of this type to be recovered from a bog or marsh in Britain.
Although it was found 150 years ago, there has never been any detailed analysis of the items and its discovery has never been fully understood.
Most of the items are on display in The Yorkshire Museum in York, having been donated in 1864 by Knaresborough ironmonger and town councillor Thomas Gott.
Now Newcastle University archaeology student Jessica De Maso has carried out the first comprehensive study of the hoard as part of her MA degree.
Ms De Maso's research suggests the hoard was discovered in a boggy area near Farnham, approximately two miles north of Knaresborough.
Two Roman roads ran through the area, providing connections to York and Hadrian’s Wall, which suggests the items may have come from wealthy Romans in the area.
The research team thinks the items were to impress guests because when polished, the bronze would have resembled gold.
It is unknown why the items were together or in a bog. It could be for ritual or spiritual reasons, to hide them, or make them irretrievable.
The research also discovered more about Thomas Gott and his discovery. At the time he was Knaresborough improvement commissioner and knew the estate manager of land near Farnham.
The landowner commissioned work on drainage in a marshy part of his land, making it likely that is where the hoard was found.
They also found evidence that there were originally more items in the hoard when discovered, but many had been mistakenly melted down by Gott.
Ms De Maso said:
Kathy Allday, chair of Knaresborough Museum Association, said:
She added:
Large fluted bowl from the Knaresborough Hoard. Image: the Yorkshire Museum
James Gerrard, professor of Roman archaeology at Newcastle University, said:
Adam Parker, curator of archaeology at the Yorkshire Museum, said:
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