What is the Bronze Age gold necklace found in Yorkshire?

The discovery of a rare and significant Bronze Age gold necklace, known as a lunula, by a metal detectorist in a Yorkshire Dales stream offers a unique glimpse into the lives of people who lived in the region over 4,000 years ago.

Where is the Bronze Age gold necklace from Yorkshire now displayed?

The Bronze Age gold necklace, or lunula, has been acquired by Craven Museum in North Yorkshire, where it is now the centerpiece of the museum's Bronze Age collection and the only one on permanent display in the north of England.

How does the Grassington gold necklace discovery shed light on ancient British lives?

Experts say the discovery of the Bronze Age gold necklace in Grassington provides rare insight into the wealth and status of the communities that lived in the Yorkshire Dales region over 4,000 years ago, as nothing similar had been found before in the area.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rare Bronze Age Gold Necklace Discovered in Yorkshire Dales

Rare Bronze Age Gold Necklace Discovered in Yorkshire Dales

26 Oct

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Summary

Nationally significant Bronze Age gold necklace found in stream
Provides insight into lives of people who lived over 4,000 years ago
Only the second complete lunula found in Yorkshire, now on display

Rare Bronze Age Gold Necklace Discovered in Yorkshire Dales

In a remarkable discovery, a nationally significant Bronze Age gold necklace has been found by a metal detectorist in a stream near Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales. The large, crescent-shaped object, known as a lunula, is believed to offer a rare insight into the lives of people who lived in the region over 4,000 years ago.

The lunula, which dates back to around 2000 BC, has been acquired by Craven Museum and is now the centerpiece of its Bronze Age collection. Curator Charlotte Craig says this is only the second complete or almost complete lunula found in Yorkshire, and the only one on permanent display in the north of England.

Lunulae are considered some of the earliest and most impressive examples of ancient goldworkers' craft. While the Grassington area is well known for its Iron Age and Bronze Age sites, experts say nothing similar had been discovered before that so clearly showed the wealth and status of those communities.