New display of recent acquisitions at the Treasure House in Beverley

Ranging from 10,000 year old bones to a locally produced rifle, visitors to the Treasure House in Beverley can see a variety of recently acquired objects in a new display.

Amongst the finds on display in the recent acquisitions case in the museum are some red deer bones, found eroding out of a cliff at Skipsea Withow and on loan from the finder. Dating from the Mesolithic period, when people in the area would have been hunting and fishing to survive, rather than farming, the bones are in a remarkably good state of preservation.

From rather more recent times is a muzzle-loading rifle made by E. Akrill of Beverley, which came to the Museum through Humberside Police. It dates to the late 19^th century.

Also on display are a number of Treasure items, which the Museums Service has purchased over the past couple of years. These include a Medieval brooch from Thorngumbald, decorated with clasped hands, and a beautiful gold pendant from Welton, decorated with tiny beads and gold wire.

Said Dr. David Marchant, museums registrar: ‘We’ve been able to acquire some important local artefacts, both archaeological and historical in recent years, as well turning up some undiscovered gems during our ongoing collections audit. This display gives visitors a chance to see some of them.’

Another object on display is a tiny Roman gold pendant from the Rowley area, perhaps part of a necklace or earring. The red stone set into it is finely carved with a design of a bird and a palm branch. Said Dr. Marchant : ‘Roman intaglios such as this are very rare and we are particularly fortunate to be able to acquire this wonderful object. This was due to the generosity of the landowner Mr. John Clappison and the finder, Mr. Robert Hamer, who both waived the reward they were due under the Treasure Act. In these challenging financial times, donations like these are enormously beneficial to us in adding important heritage items to our collections, and we very much appreciate them.’

The recent acquisitions display will run for approximately six months.

For further information, contact the Treasure House on 01482 392780.