Two ancient artefacts discovered at RAF Valley are officially classified as treasure
Anglesey: Exciting news from RAF Valley! Two ancient artefacts were found during an archaeological survey. They’re a bridle bit and a terret ring, both from the Iron Age.
The coroner held an inquest in Caernarfon to decide if these items are treasure. The pieces were discovered on April 14 last year, just 92 meters apart.
These finds happened under the watchful eye of the Ministry of Defence. They were buried about 10 centimeters deep under an old Tarmac runway, which was expanded for American bombers in 1942.
Interestingly, this area has a rich history. During WWII, 170 bone and iron artefacts were found here, first reported by Sir Cyril Fox in 1946.
The coroner suggested that the bridle bit and terret ring might have been tossed into a lake for some ritual purpose. They could have been scattered over time from a wooden causeway.
Other bronze items were also found nearby at Llyn Cerrig Bach, a small lake between Rhosneigr and Valley. The coroner noted that the artefacts likely got mixed up during the runway’s extension work.
These items were identified as a Late Iron Age copper alloy bridle bit and a flat-ring terret with red glass decoration. The coroner confirmed they qualify as treasure since they contain precious metal.
Oriel Mon is interested in adding these treasures to its collection. How cool is that?
In another inquest, the same coroner ruled that a Late Bronze Age axe and a blade fragment found in North Wales are also considered treasure.
Stay tuned for more updates from Anglesey!
