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The Melsonby Hoard
The crushed cauldron which was excavated as part of The Melsonby Hoard.

Melsonby Hoard makes headlines across the world

16 May 2025
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A group of people looking and pointing as artefacts laid out on a lab bench.

The discovery of the Melsonby Hoard has captured the imagination of people around the world.

The hoard – unearthed near the village of Melsonby, North Yorkshire, UK - includes more than 800 items dating back around 2,000 years.

These include vehicle parts from wagons or chariots, including 28 iron tyres. A cauldron and a bowl possibly used for wine mixing, elaborate horse harness, bridle bits and ceremonial spears were also found.

International coverage

This exciting find, excavated by experts including our Department of Archaeology and Archaeological Services, has made headlines since being announced last month.

Internationally the story was covered by outlets including CNN, USA, Der Spiegel, Germany, and National Geographic, Spain.

In the UK the hoard featured across BBC online, television and radio, ITV News, Sky News and widely across national newspapers such as The Guardian, The Independent and the Daily Mail.

Archaeology, history and countryside publications also reported on the announcement including Archaeology Magazine, Geo (France), Museums and Heritage Advisor, and BBC Countryfile.

Fundraising campaign

The Melsonby Hoard is of a size that is exceptional for Britain and probably even Europe. 

It could lead to a major re-evaluation of how wealth and status were expressed during the Iron Age. It could also be important for our understanding of the nature and use of vehicles at that time.

The objects have been kept at Durham University for stabilisation and recording during the legal treasure case process which has now ended.

The Yorkshire Museum has launched a fundraising campaign to secure the hoard for the nation.

Find out more