Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard

The Yorkshire Museum’s brand new exhibition, Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard, presents the unprecedented discovery of the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork to ever be found in Britain, the Melsonby Hoard.

Around 20% of the 800 objects discovered outside the village of Melsonby in North Yorkshire in 2021, including fragments of vehicles, adornments from horse harnesses, weapons and hundreds of other individual items that make up the momentous discovery will be displayed together for the first time. Taking centre stage, ‘The Block’, an amalgamation of materials that were found fused together weighing over 150kg and measuring nearly a metre across, allowing visitors to see this extraordinary structure.

The objects will be showcased alongside digital resources and interactives, inviting visitors to get up close to the discovery and dive into the archaeological, scientific, and conservation work shaping future research.

Chariots, Treasure and Power marks the initial stages of research on the hoard, outlining the current understandings of Iron Age Britain and exploring life before the arrival of the Romans, and asking the questions, why was the hoard buried, why were the objects burnt and destroyed and who might have owned these lavish items?

The significance of the discovery is heightened by its proximity to the Iron Age fortifications at Stanwick, a major centre of power for the Brigantes under Queen Cartimandua. The Melsonby Hoard itself reflects the far‑reaching connections of these influential rulers, with objects revealing links to Denmark, the Mediterranean, and beyond.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of Yorkshire’s most amazing archaeological discoveries up-close!