'Extraordinary' Bronze Age find in the Scottish Borders
Two years after the announcement that the Peebles Hoard had been acquired for the nation, an extraordinary discovery made just 7 miles away by the same metal detectorist is shedding new light on the unique 3,000-year-old treasure.
Further images and a short explainer film can be downloaded here
A 3D model of the detail of the Blyth Hoard can be viewed here
The Blyth Hoard, found in the Scottish Borders, contains remarkable Bronze Age finds, including clay moulds potentially used to manufacture some of the unique bronze fittings found in the Peebles Hoard.
The hoard, which has been allocated to National Museums Scotland, also contains two bronze axe-heads and, intriguingly, a complete copper ingot, which is the first of its kind to be discovered in Scotland. Experts hope that analysis of the ingot might point towards the geographical source of the metals used in the making of the bronze objects in both hoards.
The discovery was made in 2022 by metal detectorist Mariusz Stępień who first detected one of the axe-heads. Noticing that there were other bronze objects in the ground, Mariusz reported the find to the Treasure Trove Unit who in turn notified archaeologists from National Museums Scotland.
Excavation by the archaeologists found an ancient stone cairn, and revealed the small collection of objects dating to the Late Bronze Age, c.1150 to 800 BC. The hoard was brought to the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh for conservation and analysis.
Dr Matthew Knight, Curator of Prehistory, Bronze Age Collections at National Museums Scotland, said:
“This is one of those classic archaeological finds that initially doesn’t look like much, but is actually really incredible and has many stories to tell. It’s really rare for mould materials to survive at all, so it’s a special find in its own right, but the proximity and relationship to the Peebles Hoard makes it all the more extraordinary.
We must thank the finder who, just as he did with the Peebles Hoard, reported the find to the Treasure Trove Unit right away, which enabled us to better understand this important context and excavate the material swiftly and safely.”
Metal detectorist Mariusz Stępień said:
“When I first discovered the Blyth Hoard, I was excited to have found more Bronze Age material in an area that I already knew was archaeologically significant. At that stage, I had no idea just how important the discovery might turn out to be. Having previously discovered the Peebles Hoard, it is quite extraordinary to think that two discoveries I made so close to one another could be connected.
Finding something is one thing, but seeing the amount of work that goes into understanding, preserving and researching it has been a really interesting part of the whole experience. I’m very pleased to have been able to play a small part in that process, and I’m looking forward to seeing what further research and conservation can reveal about both hoards and, ultimately, about the people behind them.”
Since the Peebles Hoard was allocated to National Museums Scotland, cleaning and conservation revealed an unexpectedly silver hue to the bronze material, which has been attributed to high levels of tin on the surface. This is thought to be the product of a deliberate enrichment technique by highly skilled craftspeople. Further research into both the Peebles and Blyth Hoards will continue.
Notes to editors
About the Treasure Trove Unit
Under Scots law, archaeological finds discovered in Scotland must be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit, based at National Museums Scotland, where they are recorded and assessed. Metal detectorists should always have the landowner’s permission and check for any restrictions before detecting. If a hoard or group of objects is found in the ground, it should be left undisturbed, the location recorded and the Treasure Trove Unit contacted as soon as possible. This helps protect important archaeological evidence.
Significant finds may be claimed on behalf of the Crown by the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR) and allocated to museums through the Treasure Trove system, where they can be preserved and enjoyed for public benefit. If a find is claimed, the finder may be eligible for a finder reward.
About National Museums Scotland
National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in the UK and Europe and it looks after collections of national and international importance. The organisation provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.
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