A hoard of six 3,000-year-old axe heads discovered by a pair of Millom brothers while out metal detecting has been officially declared as treasure, an inquest has heard. 

Josh Carr, along with his brother Stephen, who are keen metal detectorists, were hunting for relics on January 29, 2023 in the Millom area, when they came upon three late Bronze Age axe heads. 

After further expeditions, the hoard had increased to six by March 5, 2023, and became the largest discovery of metal axe heads in Cumbria since 1902. 

In the inquest at Cockermouth Coroner’s Court, Assistant Coroner for Cumbria, Ms Margaret Taylor, read out information provided by Dr Dot Boughton, finds and liaison officer for Cumbria. 

She said that the axe heads are late Bronze Age, and potentially early Iron Age, and that the heads are of ‘two distinct types’, probably dating from between 800 to 900 BC. 

The six axe heads were recorded to be of various weights ranging from from 177.86 grams to 237.62 grams. 

The length of the various heads ranges from between 88 millimetres and 96 millimetres, with widths ranging from 44 to 51millimeteres. 

The 3,000 year old axe heads The 3,000 year old axe heads (Image: Newsquest)

She said that one axe has at least 2 blade fragments, probably from a rapier or sword, but would require professional cleaning for this to be confirmed,  

Assistant Coroner for Cumbria, Ms Margaret Taylor, said that because the hoard comprises of two or more items from prehistory, it can be officially designated as treasure under the Treasure Act 1996. 

 

She said: “Hopefully it will be acquired by the Beacon Museum (in Whitehaven). 

“I will be advising both the finders and indeed the landowner that treasure has been declared and the axe heads will make their way to a museum where hopefully they can be admired by people who have an interest in the Bronze Age.” 

After the hearing, Jan Bridget, chair of the Millom and District Local History Society, said:  “I believe the Beacon Museum are hoping to acquire them which we, ie the History Society, and Josh, are delighted about as they have the capacity to provide what is needed to safeguard and display them. 

“It will also help tell folk who visit the museum about the history of Old Millom. 

“We have just completed our archaeological dig and (TV show) Digging for Britain came up to interview Josh who has to go down to the Cotswolds in September to ‘take them into the tent to show Alice Roberts.’