The Secrets of a Bronze Age hoard discovered at Pat Munro Homes development at Greenside, Rosemarkie
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A bronze age hoard discovered during preliminary excavations for new homes by Pat Munro Homes, at Greenside, Rosemarkie has unearthed rare organic plant remains intertwined with nine bronze bracelets and necklaces buried around 1000 BC. The discovery took place before the development of new 3 and 4-bedroom homes.
The recent laboratory excavation conducted by a team from GUARD Archaeologists alongside Conservator, Will Murray, from the Scottish Conservation Studio revealed nine bronze artefacts, including one complete neck ring, one partial neck ring, six penannular bracelets and one cup-ended penannular bracelet. Remains of plant/organic material was also recovered, comprising fibrous cords tied and knotted around some of the bronze objects.
The hoard is especially significant as it was found within a prehistoric settlement, comprising at least six roundhouses and a Bronze Age cist grave. GUARD Archaeology’s analysis of these remains will illuminate the lives, beliefs, and deaths of Bronze Age highlanders.
Hamish Little, Senior Manager at Pat Munro Homes, remarked, “Collaborating with the archaeologists at Greenside, Rosemarkie has been a fantastic experience for our team. We look forward to working with them and other partners in the near future to involve local secondary school pupils at Fortrose Academy in learning more about the hoard's historical significance and creating a permanent feature near the site to share this story with the local community and visitors.”
Rachel Buckley, who led the laboratory excavation said, “The recovery of the artefacts was successfully carried out under the controlled conditions necessary to preserve these highly significant objects, particularly the very delicate organic cords that tether some of the objects together. Over the next few months, the team of specialists brought together by GUARD Archaeology will be examining the various strands of archaeological evidence that may explain why the hoard was buried here.”
To read more about the hoard and the work that is taking place by GUARD Archaeologists visit their website: https://www.guard-archaeology.co.uk/GALNews/