Date: 25 March 2026

Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard

15 May 2026 – Summer 2027

Full details on the Yorkshire Museum’s exciting new exhibition.

In February 2026, the Yorkshire Museum announced that the internationally significant Iron Age find, the Melsonby Hoard, would be going on display from 15 May 2026. The premier exhibition, Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard, will present the unprecedented discovery of the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork to ever be found in the United Kingdom.

The hoard has garnered interest on a global scale after it was revealed in early 2025 that over 800 objects had been discovered in 2021 outside the village of Melsonby in North Yorkshire. Fragments of vehicles, adornments from horse harnesses, weapons and hundreds of other individual items make up the momentous discovery of such quantity and variety that is highly unusual for the Iron Age. Many of the items were discovered fused together in what has been termed ‘The Block’, an extraordinary amalgamation of materials weighing over 150kg and measuring nearly a meter across. ‘The Block’ has been left intact, to preserve its unique format and takes centre stage within the exhibition allowing visitors to see this extraordinary structure. With many items hidden within the layers, 3D and CT scans have been able to reveal fragments of its contents, but there is still much more to discover.

The new exhibition, Chariots, Treasure and Power, at the Yorkshire Museum will be the first time this group of objects have been on public display and showcases the initial stages of research on the hoard. Beginning by outlining the current understandings of Iron Age Britain and exploring life before the arrival of the Romans, the exhibition will ask the questions, why was the hoard buried, why were the objects burnt and destroyed and who might have owned these lavish items? The overarching question put forward by the Yorkshire Museum is, how does this discovery confirm and challenge pre-existing conceptions of life, death, power and belief in the north of England over 2,000 years ago?  The objects will be showcased alongside digital resources, inviting visitors to get up close to the discovery and dive into the archaeological, scientific, and conservation work shaping future research. The significance of the discovery is heightened by its proximity to the Iron Age fortifications at Stanwick, a major centre of power for the Brigantes under Queen Cartimandua. The Melsonby Hoard itself reflects the far‑reaching connections of these influential rulers, with objects revealing links to Denmark, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Visitors to the new exhibition will be able to explore these remarkable items firsthand.

Emily North, Curator of Archaeology at York Museums Trust said, “It is a privilege to contribute to the development of the new Melsonby Hoard exhibition. Following a period of considerable anticipation and generous support from communities, both online and in person, we are delighted to share the first phase of research and conservation surrounding this exceptional discovery.

The hoard continues to present compelling questions. Its composition, its purpose, and the circumstances under which it was buried, burnt, and broken remain the focus of ongoing investigation. We look forward to welcoming visitors into the museum to engage with these questions, opening the doors to discussion and sharing of ideas.

We extend our huge thanks to all who supported the acquisition and to the specialists who have shared their expertise. Their contributions have enabled us to present this remarkable find to the public and to further our understanding of its significance.”

Research into the Melsonby Hoard is currently being undertaken in partnership with Durham University. Professor Tom Moore, Department of Archaeology, Durham University, said, “The Melsonby Hoard is of a size that is exceptional for Britain and probably even Europe. After being excavated from a field in North Yorkshire it is fantastic to see that this amazing discovery will soon be on public display at the Yorkshire Museum.”

“The hoard could lead to a major re-evaluation of how wealth and status were expressed during the Iron Age. We look forward to working with colleagues at the museum on further research and conservation of this incredible material.”

The acquisition of the hoard was the result of a successful fundraising campaign, and a significant grant of £192,096 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, who are this year celebrating their 45^th anniversary of saving the United Kingdom’s heritage for the nation.

Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “The Melsonby Hoard throws bright new light on Iron Age life in Yorkshire and beyond. We are pleased to have supported York Museums Trust to acquire the hoard, carry out research to gain a deeper insight into its origin and history and now to put it proudly on display in the county in which it was buried.

“The Memorial Fund exists to save the UK’s most outstanding heritage and make it publicly accessible, in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK. We are delighted to count the Melsonby Hoard as part of the growing and timeless collection of UK heritage that belongs to all of us forever.”

Chariots, Treasure and Power will be accompanied by a varied programme of events and opportunities for the public and schools to get involved. Throughout school holidays, creative sessions and activities for families will take inspiration from the exhibition content and delve deeper into the objects and their stories. Regular talks from the Visitor Experience Team will also provide further insight into the Iron Age. The upper balcony of the museum will be transformed into a community display featuring artworks made by students at Melsonby Methodist Primary School, as well as photographs and accounts from local residents.

The Yorkshire Museum’s learning programme will also be updated to showcase the best of this brand-new exhibition. This will include workshop opportunities for Key Stage 2 pupils to get hands-on with amazing artefacts from the Yorkshire Museum’s Prehistoric collections, along with 3D replicas of objects from the Melsonby Hoard, to explore what life was like in the north of Britain during the Iron Age. New, high-quality, pre-visit and self-led resources will be available for teachers and pupils to make the very most of their visit to the Yorkshire Museum.

The opening of the exhibition coincides with the annual Eboracum Roman Festival, held in York Museum Gardens. From 16 May to 31 May 2026, a variety of Roman-related events, talks, activities, schools programming and more will be available to enjoy. The festival’s centrepiece, the popular Living History Encampment, will be held on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May, transforming York Museum Gardens into a bustling Roman encampment. Visitors can meet costumed interpreters, enjoy re-enactments and explore demonstrations of Roman life. The Melsonby Hoard will also be making an appearance at the festival, offering visitors the chance to handle some 3D replicas, chat to curators about the discovery and learn more about the Iron Age, alongside the subsequent arrival of the Romans to Britain. Schools can also get an exciting insight into the story of the Melsonby Hoard in a free, Roman History Livestream, delivered in partnership with York Archaeology and York Minster, on Thursday 21 May.

The Melsonby Hoard is truly a once in a lifetime discovery that will be shared with museum visitors and online. Further details about the exhibition and information about the upcoming exciting programme of related events, talks and workshops can be on the Yorkshire Museum website. The exhibition will open on 15 May 2026 and will run until summer 2027.

Following its initial discovery in 2021 by metal detectorist Peter Heads, the Melsonby Hoard was excavated and conserved by archaeologists from Durham University and the British Museum, supported by £120,000 in funding from Historic England. The exhibition marks a continued dialogue with academics, the public and the residents of Melsonby village, who have been instrumental in fundraising and awareness campaigns to help acquire and conserve the hoard. The Crowdfunder is still accepting donations towards the conservation of the magnificent range of objects, all donations are greatly appreciated by all at York Museums Trust.

For more information, images or to arrange interviews, please contact the Public Relations Officer on amy.cope@ymt.org.uk or 07761634646