Winchester Hoard

The Winchester Hoard is an Iron Age gold jewelry collection found near Winchester. It consists of two sets of torcs, brooches linked by chains, and bracelets, all crafted from high-purity gold and weighing over a kilogram together.

The collection dates to between 75 and 25 BCE, a period just before Rome conquered Britain. The manufacturing methods show Roman techniques rather than purely Celtic craftsmanship, suggesting cultural exchange happened before military conquest.

The pieces show motifs and forms that reflect both Celtic and Roman artistic traditions side by side. They tell the story of a moment when different cultures touched each other and shaped one another's work.

The collection is permanently on display at the British Museum in London where you can see it during regular visiting hours. Allow enough time to examine the delicate details of each piece and the information provided alongside them.

The hoard was found by accident in 2000 using a metal detector and ranks among the most valuable Iron Age discoveries in Britain. The find sparked international interest and revealed new insights into ancient trade networks across western Europe.