JOINT PRESS RELEASE: Historic England, Pre-Construct Archaeology, Norfolk Museums Service and National Museums Scotland
- Internationally significant hoard of Iron Age objects discovered during routine archaeological work in West Norfolk
- Finds include parts of a carnyx – an Iron Age musical instrument – and a boar battle standard
- Objects are now undergoing detailed assessment, conservation and research
- Initial findings to feature on BBC Two’s Digging for Britain, which starts from 7 January 2026
- Download press images here
A remarkable collection of Iron Age objects has been discovered in West Norfolk.
The hoard of metal objects was found during a routine archaeological excavation by Pre-Construct Archaeology as part of the standard planning process for residential properties.
The discovery includes a near-complete Iron Age battle trumpet or carnyx and parts of another. These animal-headed bronze instruments were used by Celtic tribes across Europe to inspire their warriors in battle and fascinated the Romans who frequently depicted them as war trophies. This newly excavated example is one of only three known from Britain and is one of the most complete found in Europe.
The hoard also includes a sheet-bronze boar’s head, originally from a military standard. Five shield bosses and an iron object of unknown origin complete the assemblage. The finds are rare, not only in a British context, but from across Europe.
The initial discovery will be featured on the second episode of the new series of Digging for Britain which will be broadcast on BBC Two on 14 January at 9pm.
Following discovery, the objects were carefully lifted within a block of soil from the site. Initial scanning took place to reveal how the items were positioned within the soil block.
Conservation experts at Norfolk Museums Service were then able to remove each object for preliminary examination. The items are in a very fragile condition and require extensive stabilisation work before detailed research can begin.
The case currently rests with the coroner, who will determine its legal status in early 2026. This decision will inform the next steps for the hoard’s future.
Historic England is working with Pre-Construct Archaeology, Norfolk Museums Service and the National Museum of Scotland to coordinate research and conservation. Where the objects will be housed long-term is yet to be determined.
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Claudia Kenyatta CBE and Emma Squire CBE, Co-CEOs of Historic England, said: “This remarkable discovery is hugely significant for our understanding of ancient British culture. We’re pleased to be working with Pre-Construct Archaeology, Norfolk Museums Service and National Museums Scotland to progress the research and conservation of these rare and fragile objects and to ensure their stability and protection for the future. We look forward to uncovering and sharing the story of the Norfolk community that owned and used these items.”
Mark Hinman, Chief Executive, Pre-Construct Archaeology, said: “Before this dig began our Project Manager had ‘a feeling’ that this site would be special. We are so impressed with the team responsible for this find. They discovered something completely unexpected, paused for breath, then followed best excavation practice to recover these rare and fragile objects. We would particularly like to thank our colleagues at Norfolk Museums Service and National Museums Scotland for their ongoing help and support in caring for this unprecedented find.”
Dr Tim Pestell, Senior Curator of Archaeology for Norfolk Museums Service, said: “This find is a powerful reminder of Norfolk’s Iron Age past which, through the story of Boudica and the Iceni people, still retains its capacity to fascinate the British public. The Norfolk Carnyx Hoard will provide archaeologists with an unparalleled opportunity to investigate a number of rare objects and ultimately, to tell the story of how these came to be buried in the county two thousand years ago.”
Dr Fraser Hunter, Iron Age and Roman curator at National Museums Scotland, a leading authority on carnyces, said: “This extraordinary find will add enormously to our understanding of the Iron Age world. I’ve looked at carnyces from around Europe, and the full research and conservation of these incredibly fragile remains will reshape our view of sound and music in the Iron Age. The carnyces and the boar-headed standard are styles well known on the continent and remind us that communities in Britain were well-connected to a wider European world at this time.”
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For more information, please contact Esther Blaine, East of England Public Engagement Manager, at Historic England on 07584 365681 or email Esther.Blaine@HistoricEngland.org.uk
Download press images here
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Notes to Editors
- The excavation was carried out on privately owned land in West Norfolk as part of standard planning procedures
About Historic England
We are Historic England, the public body that protects and brings life to the heritage that matters to us all, so it lives on and is loved for longer. From the extraordinary to the everyday, our historic places and spaces matter. From community centres to cathedrals, homes to high streets, markets to mills – there are special places we all choose to hold onto, the legacy we want to pass on and the stories we continue to tell. That’s why we work together with people across England to discover, protect and bring new life to our shared historic environment, providing advice, knowledge, support and services. Follow us on social media @HistoricEngland.
Pre-Construct Archaeology
Pre-Construct Archaeology (PCA) is one of the largest commercial heritage services providers in the UK. Operating from seven regional offices, PCA’s highly experienced team pride themselves on being able to utilise an in depth understanding of archaeology to manage our clients’ requirements countrywide. Follow us on: www.pre-construct.com
Norfolk Museums Service
Norfolk Museums Service (NMS) is a multi-award-winning service comprising ten museums and a study centre. NMS is a partnership between Norfolk County Council and Norfolk’s district councils, funded through council tax, earned income and grants. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk. It is regarded as one of the leaders in the museum sector and since April 2018 has been a National Portfolio Organisation for Arts Council England.
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.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland Instagram: @NationalMuseumsScotland
