In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a rare collection of late Roman pewter items, including plates, platters, bowls, and a cup, has been uncovered in Euston, Suffolk, UK. This extraordinary find, dating back nearly 2,000 years, offers valuable insights into the region’s rich history and provides a unique glimpse into the lives of its ancient inhabitants. Currently, the hoard is on display at the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Museum near Bury St Edmunds and will remain available for public viewing until January 2024.
Uncovering the Hoard
The hoard was unearthed in the autumn of 2022 by local metal detecting enthusiast Martin White during an East of England Rally, an organized detecting event. White, who has been involved in metal detecting for about a decade, described this as his most significant find to date. “It was an incredibly thrilling experience! We promptly contacted the Archaeological Service to ensure the items were carefully removed and recorded without damage. Being part of the entire process, from discovery to excavation to seeing the finds displayed, was an absolute privilege,” White stated.
Archaeological Importance
The artifacts were found meticulously stacked in a pit, suggesting they were buried as a single group, possibly for protection or as an offering. The level of preservation observed is rare and provides valuable insights into the customs and daily life during the late Roman period. Councillor Melanie Vigo di Gallidoro, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Protected Landscapes and Archaeology, emphasized the find’s importance: “It’s incredible to think that this delicate hoard has survived for thousands of years, and its discovery by Martin adds a new chapter to Suffolk’s historical narrative.”
Expert Insights
Faye Minter, Suffolk County Council’s Archaeological Archives and Projects Manager, provided additional context regarding the find: “This discovery is of great significance. The larger plates and platters likely served communal meals, while the octagonal bowls might carry Christian symbolism. Similar hoards have been discovered across southern Britain, including near the large Roman settlements at Icklingham and Hockwold.”
Public Display
The hoard has been generously donated to the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Museum, where it is now proudly exhibited. Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture at West Suffolk Council, which oversees the museum, expressed his excitement: “We are deeply appreciative of this generous donation to the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Museum. We’re thrilled to showcase these items to the public, adding a new dimension to the story of our region in the later Roman period, just before the establishment of the West Stow settlement.”
Conclusion
The unearthing of this 2,000-year-old Roman hoard in Suffolk stands as a testament to the region’s rich historical heritage. As these ancient artifacts are displayed for public viewing, they offer a tangible connection to the past, enabling visitors to explore and appreciate the legacy of the Roman era in Britain. This exceptional find not only deepens our understanding of history but also underscores the ongoing importance of archaeological exploration and preservation.
