A PIECE of gold treasure found in Glemsford could date back to prehistoric times, an inquest heard. The gold personal ornament, which was found during a metal detecting rally on cultivated land in the village, and is currently in the care of the British Museum, is thought to be the only one of its kind found in Suffolk.
Ben Roberts, curator of European Bronze Age at the British Museum, said: “The probable bead is very rare for Britain and Ireland, though a necklace of similar beads from Ireland is in the British Museum.”
The piece, which was classified as treasure during a treasure trove inquest in Bury St Edmunds on Thursday, was found by Lindsey Holland, from Liverpool, on September 25 and is cylindrical in shape with decoration across it.
Faye Minter, senior finds recording officer at Suffolk County Council, said there had been careful consideration over the ornament’s date, but it was thought to be of the late Bronze Age, some time between 1,100 to 800BC.
A number of museums are now vying for the piece, with Moyse’s Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds said to be interested. A valuation is set to be carried out at a later date.
Source: Suffolk Free Press [December 30, 2010]