Local council buys status symbol from the Iron Age
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 2,000-year-old gold Celtic choker discovered by a metal detecting enthusiast in a field has been bought by the district where it had long lain buried.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has bought the rare piece, known as a torc, thanks to a grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
The fund gave £285,000 towards a total price of £350,000 for one of the finest examples of Celtic jewellery ever recovered. The torc was a symbol of power and status, and this one probably arrived in Newark in the Iron Age as a diplomatic gift.
It was probably buried in a religious ceremony near Newark, Nottinghamshire, where it was dug up last year by Maurice Richardson, a tree surgeon and metal detecting enthusiast who had scoured the fields near his home for decades before this find.
It was declared treasure under the Treasure Act of 1996, and museum staff provided the valuation for the sale. The money will be split between Mr Richardson and the field's owner.
Dr Jeremy Hill, from the British Museum, said: "It's a daunting prospect for the British Museum or the V&A to raise £350,000. So the fact that the Newark and Sherwood Museum Service has acquired this is pretty amazing.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments