Towton torcs explained

Towton torcs
Material:Gold, silver, and copper
Period:Iron Age Britain
Discovered Date:2010 and 2011
Discovered Place:Towton, North Yorkshire
Location:Yorkshire Museum, York
Id:SWYOR-CFE7F7

The Towton torcs are a pair of gold bracelets from Towton, North Yorkshire, England, dating from the later Iron Age.

Discovery

The torcs were found by metal detectorists in a stream in 2010 and 2011.[1]

Description

Both torcs are gold alloys and formed from a twisted wire with looped terminals. The first torc discovered comprised a twisted wire of two strands, the second had four strands. The first torc measured 75.1mm in diameter, weighed 67.7g. It had a metal content of 80-84% gold; 12-14% silver; and at least 4% copper.[2]

Acquisition and display

After being declared as treasure, the Yorkshire Museum launched a public funding campaign to raise the £60,000 required to purchase the torcs.[3] The torcs were acquired by the museum in November 2013.[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Yorkshire Museum buys second Towton bracelet . BBC News . 28 November 2013 . 20 January 2021.
  2. Web site: BRACELET (SWYOR-CFE7F7) . Portable Antiquities Scheme . 20 January 2021.
  3. News: Appeal to keep Towton Iron Age treasure in Yorkshire . 22 November 2011 . BBC News . 20 January 2021.
  4. News: Yorkshire Museum buys £30,000 Iron Age torc after public appeal succeeds . 28 November 2013 . Culture24 . 20 January 2021.