A METAL detectorist’s ‘extraordinary’ find could help to reveal more about the materials used to make weapons 4,000 years ago.

Mark Wilson, of Seaton, discovered a hoard of Bronze Age weapons while metal detecting in Westnewton, a village north of Aspatria, in February and March last year.

A coroner hailed the artefacts as a ‘significant find for northern Cumbria’ at a treasure inquest held at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court.

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

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

Mr Wilson, who has been metal detecting for four years, said: “The first item of the hoard that I found was an axe head which is a fantastic find in itself. But as I started to find more of the hoard, I realised it could be an important find. So, I decided to get advice. 

“The following week, an archaeological excavation of the hoard site was carried out with help from archaeologist Kevin Mounsey and detectorist Malcolm Ridley. Over 50 items were recovered in total.

(Image: Submitted)

 “Soil samples containing bits of charcoal were taken, and we are hoping to get funding to get it tested to find out a more precise age for the items.

“We also hope to get the organic material in one of the sword chapes tested to find out exactly what it is, which will tell us what kind of materials were used 4,000 years ago.”

Robert Cohen, assistant coroner for Cumbria, described the objects as ‘extraordinary’, and declared they were treasure.

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

The 4,000-year-old weapons were hailed as a 'significant find' by a coronerThe 4,000-year-old weapons were hailed as a 'significant find' by a coroner (Image: The British Museum)

Mr Wilson said his previous finds have include two individual Bronze Age axe heads, a George IV gold half sovereign coin dated 1828, and a trade weight related to the Dutch East India Company which has been classed as being of regional importance.

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.