We’re Opening A Pop-Up Museum In Lancaster!

This September, we’re opening a Pop-Up Museum to display the ‘most spectacular collection of Bronze Age artefacts ever discovered in North West England’. At the same time, we’ll be carrying out a crowdfunded investigation of the very site where it was found!

Recently discovered by two metal detectorists, the Lancaster Hoard includes a spectacular collection of spearheads, axes, bracelets, arm rings, a chisel and a pair of ornaments.

Thought to have been made and buried during the early Bronze Age, about 4,000 years ago, this is the very first time that the artefacts will go on public display. No two objects are the same and, incredibly, most of them have survived in near pristine condition.

Initially found in September 2016, the discovery was made while we were carrying out a crowdfunded excavation at another Bronze Age site just a few miles away.

This excavation was also sparked by a metal detecting discovery, and with help from our crowdfunders, our team proved that there was so much more to the site than metal artefacts; we uncovered an Early Bronze Age funeral urn, which is now undergoing further research, and proved that the site was in fact a burial mound.

The Lancaster Hoard is now part of our research and, while the artefacts are on display, we’ll be investigating the site where they were found. Early indications suggest it’s yet another burial mound!

Clearly, it’s not just the artefacts themselves that are spectacular, it’s what they can tell us about Bronze Age life in North West England; there hasn’t been a huge amount of archaeological evidence to go on when compared to other regions, until now. Together, these two sites are providing brand new evidence of a Bronze Age landscape unfolding beneath our feet.

This is the first chance you’ll have to see the artefacts for yourselves. Visitors will also be able to speak directly to the archaeologists involved. People who crowdfund the excavation will also get live updates throughout the dig, and can even choose to join the excavation and dig alongside our team.

The excavation takes place 12th – 24th September 2017 (Tuesday – Sunday only). The Lancaster Hoard will be on display 12th – 23rd September 2017 (Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 6:00pm only) at the The Storey, Lancaster. Entry is FREE.

We will also be hosting a free evening talk, including an in-depth look at the artefacts and a Q&A, at 7:00pm on Saturday 16th September. Booking is essential. Email hello@digventures.com to reserve a seat.