Metal detectorist finds rare Bronze Age weapons in Cumbrian village

The 4,000-year-old items were found by Mark Wilson in Westnewton, a village north of Aspatria, over two days in February and March this year.

Metal detectorist Mark Wilson found 42 pieces of swords, spear head and axe head fragments from the Bronze Age in a Cumbrian village (Image: The British Museum)

The copper alloy hoard included 42 pieces of swords, spear head and axe head fragments. The bulk of the items were found in shallow ground.

At a treasure inquest held at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court, Robert Cohen, assistant coroner for Cumbria, described the objects as ‘extraordinary’, and said the hoard was ‘a significant find for northern Cumbria’.

The British Museum estimated that the weapons were from between 2000 and 1850BC.

Mr Cohen said he was ‘extremely grateful’ to the finder for his responsible actions. He declared the items were treasure.

The copper alloy hoard included spear heads from the Bronze Age (Image: The British Museum)

Tullie House Museum in Carlisle has expressed an interest in acquiring the items.

By law, finders of potential treasure should notify their local finds liaison officer (FLO) who will report the find to the coroner on their behalf. The coroner will then determine if the item is treasure at an inquest.

All treasure found in the UK belongs to the Crown and The Treasure Valuation Committee recommends a value for the find.

It is then offered for sale to a museum, and a reward shared between the finder and the landowner.