Torc will go on display in Lewes
November 4, 2024
A gold torc believed to date from the Iron Age will be going on display in Lewes.
Five years ago a metal detectorist discovered the torc near Pulborough and now two fragments have undergone detailed analysis by the British Museum.
The research, led by Dr Sophia Adams, suggests the fragments to be the first evidence for an Iron Age gold torc from Sussex, with the artefact now estimated to date back to between 2,300 and 2,400 years ago.
The British Museum believes it formed part of a spectacular object, signifying status and power in late prehistoric society and hinting at powerful connections between Sussex and the Continent.
After its discovery five years ago, and following formal reporting to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, the torc was subject to analysis and examination, confirming it qualified as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Sussex Archaeological Society subsequently launched a funding bid to acquire the artefact for the Society’s collection last year.
The Society intends to place the gold torc on public display at its Barbican House Museum in Lewes from spring 2025.
Torcs were prominent ornaments made from precious metals and are thought to have been worn round the neck or arm. They were attention-grabbing items of jewellery, believed to show status.
Emma O’Connor, Museums Officer at Sussex Archaeological Society, said: “The Iron Age gold torc fragment is a unique and beautiful object, and it is wonderful that the Sussex Archaeological Society has been able to acquire the torc, for it to be displayed and accessible within the county of its discovery. This is a significant and important addition to the Society’s Iron Age collections.
“The Society is indebted to the generous support from grant bodies and the public alike. The museum is looking forward to welcoming visitors to see this fantastic treasure for themselves in the spring of 2025.”
The analysis and examination concluded that the “simplicity of the design belies the complexity of the construction”. While the examination concluded the overall shape is typical for 4th to 3rd century BCE torcs found in France, Germany and Belgium, the fact that that the fragments were discovered in Sussex are “particularly revealing”, stated the research.