Pupils from Melsonby Methodist Primary School have created their own artistic response to the largest Iron Age metalwork hoard found in the UK, with their clay creations now on display alongside the 2,000-year-old treasures at Yorkshire Museum until summer 2027.
A workshop led by an archaeologist from Durham University and the schools learning team from York Museums Trust, encouraged the pupils to get hands-on with replica items from the Melsonby Hoard.
They designed and decorated numerous clay casts of two star objects from the Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard exhibition. The children’s creative pieces have recently been transferred to the Yorkshire Museum, and the school paid a special visit to see their hard work go into the display.
Helen Robinson, executive headteacher for the Federation of North and South Cowton Community and Melsonby Methodist Primary Schools said: “The children and staff of Melsonby Primary School have been thrilled to be part of the Melsonby Hoard project, working with the Yorkshire Museum.
“Our interests were sparked from the very first moment we found out about the secret treasures of Melsonby, and we have been eagerly awaiting our visit to the museum. The visit did not disappoint! The children were mesmerised by the artefacts on show and loved having the opportunity to display their own creative responses alongside the Hoard. A huge thank you to everyone at the museum.”
Chariots, Treasure and Power runs at the museum until summer 2027 with a dedicated schools programme exploring life 2,000 years ago.
About the Melsonby Hoard
In 2021 a metal detectorist unearthed a vast array of Iron Age metalwork in Melsonby North Yorkshire. Over 800 items were uncovered, including parts of vehicles such as chariots, weapons and cauldrons, as well as hundreds of individual items.
This is the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork found in the UK. The site is located next to the hillfort at Stanwick, the royal capital of Cartimandua, queen of the Brigantes tribe, and less than 50 miles from the Yorkshire Museum. The hoard includes partial remains of more than seven wagons and chariots, elaborate harnesses for at least 14 horses, three spears, two ornate cauldrons, and an iron mirror.
Following its initial discovery in 2021 by metal detectorist Peter Heads, the Melsonby Hoard was excavated and conserved by archaeologists from Durham University and the British Museum, supported by £120,000 in funding from Historic England.
The exhibition marks a continued dialogue with academics, the public and the residents of Melsonby village, who have been instrumental in fundraising and awareness campaigns to help acquire and conserve the hoard.
For more information about the Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard exhibition, and school visits to the Yorkshire Museum, go to yorkshiremuseum.org.uk
