PALSTAVE

Complete cast copper alloy palstave axe dating to the Bronze Age (Rowlands 1976: fig. 1, O'Connor 1980: 47-49, Site 43: pg. 332 & fig. 18 (8) and Site 61: pg. 338 & fig. 24 (1-4) variation on Norman Type) . It has a deep, U-shaped septum and triangular side flanges. The object has a broad blade with multiple short-ribs (4) or rib and groove ornament below the stop/inset. Brown patina with green encrustations and corrosion.

The object is part of a hoard of seven axes found in association. It therefore qualifies as treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act.

The treasure report states: This hoard represents a diverse collection of palstave types typically found in Southern England during the Middle Bronze Age, with the exception of the Norman Type palstave (no. 6). Palstaves were the 'dominant tool of the later MBA in Southern Britain' (O'Connor 1980: 57). Based on the typological evidence, the overall composition of the hoard dates from the later Middle Bronze Age (c.1400-1140 BC).

The broad bladed palstave with multiple short-ribs (no. 6) seems to most closely resemble a Norman palstave with similar ribbed detailing from the Baux-Sainte-Croix (Eure) hoard as well as four palstaves found at Mont-Saint-Aignon, Rouen (Seine-Maritime) (Rowlands 1976: fig. 1, O'Connor 1980: 47-49, Site 43: pg. 332 & fig. 18 (8) and Site 61: pg. 338 & fig. 24 (1-4) variation on Norman Type), possibly dating this palstave to the 'Bronze Moyen II' (e.g. end of the MBA (c.1300-1140 BC). The distribution of Norman palstaves is generally concentrated in Upper Normandy on the lower Seine valley, with the majority of finds coming from the Eure and Seine-Maritime regions. O'Connor has suggested, however, that this type of palstave had a much greater presence in British MBA hoards than has been acknowledged thus far, with more than forty Norman palstaves found in Southern British hoards, making it likely that this palstave also originated in Northern France.

The overall dating of the hoard is from the MBA, originating from the end of the Taunton period through the Penard metalwork phase (c. 1400-1140 BC). The hoard represents palstave types typical of hoards from the Southern British coast, but possibly with some influence from or connection to Northern France.

The hoard fulfils the requirements for being considered Treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act (2002 Amendment). The Crown's interest in this find has been disclaimed.