Alistair Hardaker | Image: Senior conservator Jonathan Clark undertaking the micro-excavation of the hoard © Norfolk Museums Service
Multi-institutional team conserves rare 2,000-year-old battle trumpet from West Norfolk alongside other Iron Age military objects.
A near-complete Iron Age battle trumpet has been discovered in West Norfolk, making it one of only three carnyx known from Britain and among the most complete examples found in Europe.
The 2,000-year-old bronze instrument was found during a routine archaeological excavation by Pre-Construct Archaeology as part of the standard planning process for residential properties. The animal-headed carnyx were used by Celtic tribes across Europe to inspire warriors in battle and fascinated the Romans, who frequently depicted them as war trophies.
The hoard also includes parts of a second carnyx, a sheet-bronze boar’s head originally from a military standard, five shield bosses and an iron object of unknown origin. The finds are rare in both British and European contexts.
Historic England is working with Pre-Construct Archaeology, Norfolk Museums Service and the National Museum of Scotland to coordinate research and conservation of the assemblage.
Following discovery, the objects were lifted within a block of soil from the site. Initial scanning revealed how the items were positioned before conservation experts at Norfolk Museums Service began removing each object for preliminary examination.
Senior conservator Jonathan Clark is undertaking the micro-excavation, carefully removing the objects from the block, securing and stabilising the fragile material, and documenting both the process and the finds to ensure no evidence is lost.
The items are in very fragile condition and require extensive stabilisation work before detailed research can begin.
The initial discovery will feature in the next series of BBC’s Digging for Britain, broadcast from today, 7 January 2026.
