It’s one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in modern British history: a metal detectorist, in a quiet North Yorkshire field, unearths a treasure trove of over 900 Iron Age artefacts. It’s an unprecedented find – the largest hoard of its kind ever discovered in Britain, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into a world of elite power, ceremonial ritual, and warfare that existed over 2,000 years ago. Now, with exclusive access to this astonishing find, Tristan Hughes embarks on an investigation to uncover the hoard’s secrets. In History Hit’s new documentary, The Melsonby Hoard, he explores what this extraordinary discovery reveals about a part of ancient Britain often overshadowed by the South. From intricate chariot fittings and ornate horse harnesses to a mass of fused metalwork, this is a once-in-a-generation discovery that is rewriting the story of the Iron Age. Sign up to watch A hoard that helps rewrite history In December 2021, a metal detectorist made the discovery of a lifetime on the outskirts of Melsonby, Yorkshire. Buried in two separate deposits, this colossal hoard was filled with a diverse array of items: chariot parts, horse gear, spears, and even large bronze cauldrons. This wasn’t just a collection of objects; it was a snapshot of a moment in time, a ritual offering left behind just before the Roman conquest. And its existence is reshaping what archaeologists thought they knew about Iron Age Britain. The find was made close to the Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications, a major power centre in northern Britain during the late Iron Age. In the programme, Tristan meets with Professor Tom Moore, Head of Archaeology at Durham University, who explains that Stanwick was likely the key power centre for the Brigantes, a confederacy of peoples mentioned in Roman histories. Tristan Hughes discusses the Melsonby Hoard with Professor Tom Moore, Head of Archaeology at Durham UniversityImage Credit: History Hit The sheer quantity and quality of the Melsonby artefacts suggest a level of wealth and sophistication previously thought to be exclusive to the south of England – proving that northern Britain was home to equally powerful and well-connected societies, with long-distance trade networks stretching as far as the Mediterranean. A deliberate act Why would someone bury such a staggering collection of objects? As Professor Moore reveals, the hoards were deliberately placed in two separate trenches, with many objects intentionally broken and even smashed with boulders. This wasn’t a hidden stash meant to be recovered later; it was a symbolic act, a ritual deposit. The absence of any personal adornments or human remains makes this find particularly unique. Instead, the hoard contains ceremonial feasting items, like cauldrons, and military gear. Among the most exciting finds are iron tyres from four-wheeled wagons, the first indication that these types of vehicles were used in Britain. These objects weren’t all owned by a single person; instead, they represent a communal offering, a powerful statement of wealth and unity. The dating of the hoard – to the early 1st century AD, just before the Roman arrival – suggests it may be related to the period before the reign of the powerful Queen Cartimandua. Professor Moore explains that it’s possible the hoard is connected to another, equally powerful female ruler, offering a tantalising new layer to our understanding of Iron Age society, and how, as he explains, “female rulers were probably quite common”. The mysteries of the ‘block’ The Melsonby hoard includes what archaeologists call “the block” – a 250kg mass of Iron Age metalwork. Tristan meets Dr Emily Williams, an archaeological conservator at Durham University, who explains how this unique find was carefully excavated and is now undergoing vital conservation work. The ‘Block’ – part of the Melsonby Hoard A CT scan of the block has revealed more secrets, showing that it contains many of the same types of objects as the main deposit, including spears. Intriguingly, it’s also believed to contain Roman pilums – spears. The team hopes to keep the block intact, rather than dismantling it, preserving its secrets for future generations to study. A game-changer on a cliff edge Dr Keith Emerick, an Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Historic England, describes the Melsonby hoard as “spectacular and unusual,” and “a game-changer” for our understanding of the Iron Age. The sheer scale and research potential of the find is unlike anything he has ever seen. Tristan Hughes with Dr Keith Emerick, Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Historic England inspect some of the Melsonby Hoard However, the fate of the Melsonby Hoard hangs in the balance. Tristan visits the Yorkshire Museum, where a small fraction of the hoard is on display for the first time. Emily North, Curator of Archaeology at the museum explains how the museum is currently undertaking a monumental fundraising effort to acquire the entire hoard for the nation. If successful, the hoard will become the property of the people of Yorkshire and Britain forever, ensuring it remains a single collection for vital conservation and research. Without these funds, there is a risk that individual pieces could be sold off to private collectors, scattering the collection and its secrets. “Legally it’s treasure, but it’s a real treasure in terms of the secrets that it holds” explains Emily. As Tristan notes, this incredible discovery is reshaping our understanding of the Iron Age, and it’s vital that it can be kept together so that its story – the story of a buried kingdom and a lost people – can be told in full. Join Tristan Hughes in a special documentary as he gets up close with this unprecedented discovery and uncovers the full story of The Melsonby Hoard. Sign up to watch