NHER 68421 (Find Spot record) - Late Bronze Age metalwork hoard (Dickleburgh II) and potentially associated human remains

September 2023. Metal-detecting. [1].
Found at [2]:
Late Bronze Age hoard of 19 objects (3 of which are represented by joining fragments):
1 sword (in 3 pieces and intentionally broken by deformation and bending).
14 socketed spearheads (10 of which are unusually stout, short examples with wide sockets; one of the large examples in 2 pieces).
1 spear butt/ferrule (in 3 pieces and also showing signs of deliberate destruction).
1 incomplete double-edged tanged knife.
2 solid cast rings with different diameters.
This hoard was probably deposited around the time of the transition between the Late Wilburton and Ewart Park metal-working phases - i.e. around 900 BC.
The majority of the objects were found in close proximity within the same hole and clearly represented an in situ hoard. Three items were though recovered some distance from the main group (two c.3m to the south and one c. 10m to the south-east) - indicating a degree of plough disturbance. The objects exibit a dark brown water patination with iron oxide and organic remains adhering to their surfaces.
Other finds recovered during the excavation of the main group of objects include 15 sherds of low-fired, flint-tempered pottery which were found in the base of the hole and potentially represent the remains of a Late Bronze Age bowl or similar vessel buried with the hoard. Significantly, bones recovered from the sides of the hole have now been identified as elements of a human arm (finger bones, radius, ulna and other fragments) - raising the possibility that this hoard had been deposited as grave goods.
Information from PAS import.
This hoard has been submitted for consideration as Treasure (Ref: 2023 T1272).
P. Watkins (HES), 26 January 2025.

In 2024 the metal objects from this hoard were subjected to both macroscopic and microscopic use wear analysis by staff at the University of Leicester. The sword, spear butt/ferrule and the four larger spearheads were catergorised as showing minimal production traces and moderate to high levels of usage or deliberate destruction. In contrast, the smaller spearheads exhibit moderate production traces (such as casting seams) and low to moderate levels of usage. The patterns of use-related wear are also different to those visible on the larger spearheads. It is suggested this may reflect the different functions of smaller and larger spearheads.
See report (S1) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 23 March 2025.