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Evie Lake reported for BBC News on a remarkable discovery made by an international student during her inaugural archaeological dig. Yara Souza, a student at Newcastle University, unearthed a piece of gold dating back to the 9th century just 90 minutes into the excavation in Redesdale, Northumberland. The find was located near Dere Street, a prominent Roman road linking York and Edinburgh, now part of the A68 route.
Hailing from Florida, US, Ms. Souza expressed her excitement at uncovering an artifact untouched for over a millennium, stating, “It was amazing to discover something that hadn’t been seen for more than a thousand years, I was really geeking out over it.” The excavation, initiated in July, was prompted by a similar discovery made by metal detectorist Alan Gray at the same site in 2021. Collaborating with Archaeology students and local archaeologists, Ms. Souza delved deeper into the historical significance of the area.
Measuring approximately four centimeters in length with a decorative finial at one end, the gold object signifies high status, commonly associated with elite members of society. Given Dere Street’s historical connection between religious hubs at Jedburgh and Hexham, experts speculate that the artifacts may have served a religious or ceremonial purpose. Prof James Gerrard described the find as “exciting” and of exceptional quality, hinting at the possibility of intentional burial. Plans are underway to further study and potentially exhibit the discovery at the Great North Museum: Hancock.
Andrew Agate, the Portable Antiquities Scheme’s finds liaison officer for North East England, commended the collaborative effort between metal detectorists and archaeologists in shedding light on Northumberland’s past. The project exemplifies how diverse expertise can contribute to uncovering and interpreting the region’s rich history
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