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Archaeologists have uncovered an extraordinary hoard containing two of the rarest Iron Age artefacts during an excavation near Thetford, Norfolk. The discovery was made by Pre-Construct Archaeology last year on a building site just a few miles from the town. At the heart of the find was the most complete example of a carnyx—a type of battle trumpet—ever found in Europe, alongside the first boar’s head flag standard discovered in Britain.
Gary Trimble, senior project officer, emphasized the exceptional nature of the find on BBC Two’s *Digging for Britain*, noting that carnyces “are extraordinarily rare… a boar standard, that’s even rarer.” The carnyx is crafted from thin metal sheets and features an animal head with a distinct gaping mouth and crest running along its neck. Conservator Jonathan Carr described the instrument as having “a wonderful little eye, which is a remarkable survivor and you can’t help but be impressed and charmed by it.” The boar’s head standard, also made from thin sheet bronze, would have been carried during battles as a rallying symbol, the boar representing strength and ferocity, as explained by Dr Fraser Hunter of National Museums Scotland.
The hoard dates back approximately 2,000 years, around 50BC to AD50, and included several other items such as five shield bosses and an iron object whose purpose remains unknown. After its initial discovery, the entire hoard was carefully removed encased in a block of soil to maintain the fragile artefacts’ positions, allowing detailed scanning to inform the conservation process. Carr highlighted the delicate nature of the objects, which were made from extremely thin metal now brittle after centuries underground. This carnyx is particularly significant as it is one of only three found in Britain and the most complete, with its pipe, mouthpiece, and bell all intact.
The carnyx was historically used by Celtic tribes, including the Iceni of East Anglia, who were led by Queen Boudica during her famous, though ultimately unsuccessful, revolt against the Romans around AD 60-61. The Romans themselves were fascinated by the carnyx, routinely portraying it as a war trophy. According to Peter Crawley, the dig leader, he had a “gut feeling” that this site would prove special even before excavation began. Dr Tim Pestell from Norfolk Museums Service expressed that the find powerfully connects to Norfolk’s Iron Age past and its ongoing cultural legacy, stating: “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 2,000 years ago.”
Following the find, the hoard was reported to the coroner and awaits an inquest to determine whether it qualifies as treasure. Historic England is collaborating with Pre-Construct Archaeology, Norfolk Museums Service, and the National Museum of Scotland to oversee the research and preservation of the items. The story of this remarkable discovery is featured in the latest episode of *Digging for Britain*, promising to shed new light on Iron Age music, warfare, and symbolism in ancient Britain
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