Record ID: SOM-A636D3
Object type: PALSTAVE
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
Middle Bronze Age cast copper-alloy palstave (axehead) of unlooped type .The palstave is corroded, with some losses at its extremities. The septum is thinner than the blade suggesting that this is a palstave rather than an earlier flanged axe (Schmidt and Burgess 1981, 115). The flanges gradually widen from the butt to the stop, creating a triangular shape in profile. The stop is angled forwards slightly at its centre. The blade is rectangular in cross-section with shallowly curved sides that widen gradually towards the cutting edge before curving out more approaching the cuttin…
Created on: Friday 26th April 2013
Last updated: Monday 13th May 2013
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Selwood', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-F42C16
Object type: SPUR
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A post-medieval copper-alloy fragment consisting of the neck and goad from a 17th-century prick spur. The goad is of elaborate quatrefoil shape as is conventional on these spurs, known as 'Scotch spurs' (Ellis 2002, 8-9; refs. 27, 28). The lobes of the quatrefoil are closed, rather than being openwork, as with no. 28 quoted, ESS-DAC0C3 and NMGW-69B4FE recorded on this database. The lobes in the lateral plane are far more elegantly finished than the other pair. The neck is lozengiform compared to the base of the goad, and set at 45 degrees to it. It is decorated with fine transv…
Created on: Wednesday 5th June 2013
Last updated: Tuesday 7th February 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Marston Magna CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-6B3DF0
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy nummus of Magnentius (AD 350-353), dating to the period AD 350-351 (Reece Period 18). FELICITAS REI PVBLICE reverse type depicting emperor standing left holding Victory on globe and standard. Mint of Arles. RIC VIII, p. 213, no. 137
Created on: Wednesday 17th July 2013
Last updated: Thursday 7th May 2020
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Misterton CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-6BB314
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy nummus of Constantine I dating to the period AD 308 to 309 (Reece Period 15). MARTI PATRI CONSERVATORI reverse type depicting Mars standing right, holding shield and spear. Mint of Lyon. RIC VI, p. 264, no. 294
Created on: Wednesday 17th July 2013
Last updated: Friday 15th January 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Misterton CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-D40CD4
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy as of Domitian (AD 81-96) dating to AD 86 (Reece Period 4). IOVI CONSERVAT, S C reverse type depicting Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre. Mint of Rome. RIC II.1, p. 299, no. 490.
Created on: Monday 22nd July 2013
Last updated: Wednesday 20th January 2021
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Misterton CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-BBC6E1
Object type: BUCKLE
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A corroded cast copper-alloy double-looped buckle of post-medieval date (c. 17th century), incomplete in so far as it is missing its pin. The frame is formed of a pair of sub-oval loops with a single triangular protrusion (moulded trefoils or lis) at the central outer edge, and with similar protrusions at each end of the bar set at the centre of trefoil sides. The side elements of the trefoils at the outer edges provide two of a total of six petals around a central pellet, giving a moulded flower at these points. The front of this buckle is flat, with bevelled edges, whilst the revers…
Created on: Friday 2nd August 2013
Last updated: Tuesday 23rd April 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Frome', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-8F3994
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A copper-alloy finger-ring with integral key dating to the earlier Roman period. The hoop is broadly circular and D-shaped in cross-section, being flat internally (int. dia.: 17.2mm max.). There are no shoulders as such and the bezel is only slightly thicker than the hoop. As with such artefacts the bit protrudes at right angles to the bezel such that the key element lay flat on the finger. The bit begins with a trapezoidal base that is decorated with a pair of transverse grooves. Above this is a recess each side to a narrow waist before the main sub-triangular upper element. The tria…
Created on: Monday 12th August 2013
Last updated: Tuesday 6th August 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Misterton CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-9F9187
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
An incomplete large Roman cast copper-alloy developed T-shaped brooch dating to the late 1st to early 2nd century AD. The pin, lower part of the bow and the foot are missing following old damage. The head has two hollow cylindrical wings with flattened upper surfaces. They held the axis bar for the hinged pin. The axis bar survives in part, largely corroded, made of iron. Between the wings on the under side of the head is a slot in which the pin would have hinged. On the underside of the wings behind the slot is a thickened patch which may have helped retain the pin in use. R…
Created on: Tuesday 13th August 2013
Last updated: Friday 10th January 2014
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Misterton CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-A01BE8
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy bow brooch dating to the 1st to 2nd century AD, incomplete in so far as it is missing its pin. The head has two hollow cylindrical wings both slightly abraded at their tips. They held the axis bar for the hinged pin. The axis bar survives in part, largely corroded, made of iron. Between the wings on the under side of the head is a slot in which the pin would have hinged. The wings are decorated with an incised line running across them diagonally, from the top of the pin slot to the back of the upper surface. The upper surface was also decorated on each side wi…
Created on: Tuesday 13th August 2013
Last updated: Monday 5th October 2015
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Misterton CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-5DE141
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A damaged and incomplete copper-alloy 2nd-century Roman disc brooch of the tutulus type. The circular brooch would have originally had eight plain, squared off peripheral lugs; three are now missing. The lugs are external on a rim. The rim is echoed by a ridge within; the groove within may have held enamel. This border has received considerable old damage leading to fractures and losses at the circumference and the grooved zone within. A second zone of similar width sits within the inner ridge and before the central boss; this has suffered considerable losses and abrasions too. The ce…
Created on: Thursday 22nd August 2013
Last updated: Friday 10th January 2014
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOM-85F8C7
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy nummus of Crispus as Caesar, dating to the year AD 326 (Reece period 16). CRISPVS/CAESAR reverse type, an inscription in two lines with star above. Mint of Trier. RIC VII, p.210, no. 488.
Created on: Thursday 5th September 2013
Last updated: Tuesday 20th February 2018
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOM-997D05
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy radiate of Gallienus (AD 253-268), sole reign. dating to the period AD 260-268 (Reece Period 13). ABVNDANTIA AVG reverse type depicting Abundantia standing right, emptying cornucopiae. Mint of Rome. As Cunetio no. 1159; cf. RIC 157.
Created on: Monday 30th September 2013
Last updated: Tuesday 10th April 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Bawdrip CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-2C77E5
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy radiate of Galerius as Caesar dating to the period AD 293-305 (Reece Period 15). CONCORDIA MILITVM reverse depicting Emperor standing right receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter standing left. Mint of Cyzicus. RIC VI, p. 581, no. 19b.
Created on: Monday 7th October 2013
Last updated: Wednesday 21st January 2015
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOM-7ED8B2
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A copper-alloy Roman zoomorphic plate brooch in the shape of fabulous creature, a sea monster with two heads, of Feugère's type 29a5 (c. 2nd century AD). The creature has a curved L-shaped body and is going right with its head looking backwards. At the other end the tail loops round on itself, curving at its tip to face the head in a zoomorphic terminal. Protruding from the loop of the tail is a triangular projection. This projection features an enamelled cell, largely red apart form a central pellet in a different colour, now decayed. The animal's main body also features a curved L-…
Created on: Wednesday 23rd October 2013
Last updated: Monday 11th February 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Somerton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-7CC9A7
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
An irregular Roman silver-plate copper-alloy denarius copying Julia Soemias dating to the period AD 218-222 (Reece period 10). VENVS VICTRIX reverse type depciting Venus standing left holding patera in right hand and vertical sceptre in left. Mint uncertain. The VENVS VICTRIX type is not recorded for Julia Soemias, although it was for Julia Paula (RIC IV, pt 2, p. 46, no. 223). However, the Julia Paula coin has Venus holding a globe and sceptre. The type with patera and sceptre is more commonly found for Juno. Therefore, the forger has probably muddled his legends and types.
Created on: Monday 4th November 2013
Last updated: Tuesday 17th November 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOM-91E980
Object type: VESSEL
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A lower fragment from a cast copper-alloy medieval to post-medieval chafing dish drop handle. In plan, the handle frame would have been sub-trapezoidal with rounded corners, the frame is rectangular in cross-section. What survives is the lower part, other than one corner which is missing, with a pronouncedly incurved centre. The frame has a dark-green/grey colour; the breaks are old and patinated. A parallel can be found in illustrated in Allen (1984; fig. 192; ref. 165); it also conforms to Lewis's Type B1 (Lewis 1973, 61-64) given a 15th-/16th-century date.
Created on: Tuesday 5th November 2013
Last updated: Sunday 9th June 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Misterton CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-21D1B2
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: IRON AGE
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
An Iron Age La Tène IBa type brooch dating to the 4th to 3rd centuries BC, incomplete in so far as it is missing its pin. The brooch comprises a sprung head, a curved bow and foot with catch-plate. The brooch has been made in one piece. The head is formed from the top of the bow, which becomes thinner and circular in section forming a thick wire. This coils twice to the left of the bow (when in plan), loops over the top of the head and coils twice towards the centre. At this point the wire has broken, but would have formed the pin. Within the coils is a corroded crude bar in copper a…
Created on: Tuesday 12th November 2013
Last updated: Sunday 2nd February 2014
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Wincanton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-4F8971
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy nummus of Constantine I (AD 306-37), dating to the year AD 322 (Reece period 16). D N CONSTANTINI MAX AVG reverse type depicting a laurel wreath surrounding VOT//XX. Mint of Aquileia. RIC VII, p. 405, no. 104
Created on: Thursday 14th November 2013
Last updated: Friday 16th April 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOM-B7BB87
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
An incomplete copper-alloy Roman brooch of Colchester derivative, Polden Hill (Mackreth Group 5, flat wing ends type, Western Group), cf. Mackreth 2011, 5.b1. Plate 50. No. 1735 of later 1st to mid 2nd century AD. The pin mechanism is missing, with the pin, as is the foot and catch-plate. The head has short wings (given a wide bow at this point) with oval perforated end plates; the axis bar is missing, both plates having abraded through. There is a double transverse groove and ridge at each terminal. Set forward from the centre of the head is a rearward facing hook: possibly a loop f…
Created on: Tuesday 19th November 2013
Last updated: Wednesday 26th April 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Wincanton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-B7CA61
Object type: COIN HOARD
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
1 as, 1 sestertius, 1 denarius and 7562 radiates and a bronze ring to AD 274 Cu-alloy ring (3.60g; max diam. 26mm) found fused to sestertius. Uncertain if a finger ring or bag fastening. Summary (all radiates unless noted): Central Empire Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-80), 1 (sestertius) Wars of the Succession (AD 193-7) Septimius Severus, 1 (denarius) Gordian III (AD 238-44), 1 Philip I (AD 244-9), 1 Decius (AD 249-51), 1 Herennia Etruscilla, 1 Trebonianus Gallus (AD 251-3), 4 Joint reign of Valerian & Gallienus (AD 253-60) Valerian I, 107 Gallienus, 45 Uncertain (Valeri…
Created on: Tuesday 19th November 2013
Last updated: Tuesday 11th April 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'South Petherton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-6E1A40
Object type: FIGURINE
Broad period: IRON AGE
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A cast copper-alloy fragment moulded in the round in the form of a bovine head, possibly of Late Iron Age/early Roman date. The creature has a snout that curves upwards at the tip, broadly circular in cross-section, and with a triangular flat area on the tip's upper surface to represent a nose. The sides of the upper surface behind this are bevelled. Behind this are oval eyes moulded in low relief. At right angles to the back of the snout is a neck of sub-triangular cross-section. This has been truncated below the snout as a result of old damage. At the top, behind the eyes, are two a…
Created on: Tuesday 10th December 2013
Last updated: Monday 6th January 2014
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Nynehead CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-693DA2
Object type: SEAL MATRIX
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A corroded and incomplete medieval copper-alloy pedestal type seal matrix, broken as the handle emerges from the die. The matrix has a circular face with a central design of an owl standing right (on the die), head facing. The impersonal legend around the design reads * hEIL OVLE hEIL (hail, owl, hail). The legend starts with a star. The matrix had a pedestal type handle rising from the face in a smooth fashion, without facets. For similar matrices recorded on this database see IHS-B0DD16, SUSS-1BB1D1 and IHS-D7AAD7, on the latter of which the owl is juxtaposed with an ape.
Created on: Friday 3rd January 2014
Last updated: Tuesday 26th April 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Ilchester CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-699C37
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy devolved T-shaped brooch of Hull T138 dating to the late first to second century AD, incomplete in so far as it is missing most of its pin. The head has two short cylindrical wings, 23.2mm wide, to hold the axis bar for the hinged pin. Between the wings is a slot in which the remnants of the pin are hinged. The pin has a pointed spur at its head to aid hinging. It narrows to a circular cross-section before an early break. What survives has been bent downwards towards the back of the bow on the right hand side (when viewed in plan from below). There is corrosion pr…
Created on: Friday 3rd January 2014
Last updated: Monday 20th June 2022
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Ilchester CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-6ACEE1
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
The leg and foot from a Roman copper-alloy bow brooch, possibly of the local devolved T-shaped type and dating to the 2nd century AD. The bow and leg are formed of a wide, flat and thin strip which narrows gradually towards the end. It is 11.7mm wide at the break and 6.6mm wide above the footknob. The knob is formed of a thick semicircle set at 90 degrees to the foot and slightly wider at 8.9mm. The bow is decorated on the front with three longitudinal grooves just below the old break, below which seven transverse ridges and concomitant grooves. On the back is a large catch-plate, …
Created on: Friday 3rd January 2014
Last updated: Wednesday 30th March 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Ilchester CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-8AEBB3
Object type: BRACELET
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A twisted fragment consisting of approximately a quarter of a cast copper-alloy bracelet or armlet of late Roman date (c. 4th century AD). The fragment consists of the bracelet's terminal, the hook end, with abraded hook extant. The bracelet is rectangular with rounded corners in cross-section. In profile it has been twisted to one side, then round on itself such that it abuts the side of the hooked end at right angles to it. The bracelet expands in width gradually from the hook end. It is decorated unifacially using multiple motifs. What survives on this example is a raised lozenge w…
Created on: Monday 10th February 2014
Last updated: Saturday 16th August 2014
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOM-083A37
Object type: BROOCH
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
An incomplete cast copper-alloy Dorset-type T-shaped brooch of early Roman date. The head, pin and upper part of the bow are missing to old breaks; the rest of the bow, the leg and catch-plate survive. The head is lost to an old, broadly horizontal break. The bow is sub-rectangular in cross-section. The front is moulded with two ridges at the sides and a central bevelled ridge with deep longituidinal groove. Between the ridges are very fine diagonally incised lines. Compared to the bow the plain leg is thinned. It tapers gradually, terminating in a ridged foot knob. On its lower surfa…
Created on: Friday 28th February 2014
Last updated: Sunday 15th February 2015
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Somerton CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-B8A58D
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy nummus of uncertain Tetrachic ruler dating to the period AD 294 to 307 (Reece period 15). Probably GENIO POPVLI ROMANI reverse type depicting Genius, modius on head, standing left holding patera and cornucopiae. Mint uncertain.
Created on: Friday 1st August 2014
Last updated: Tuesday 6th October 2015
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Wincanton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-9D62EA
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy nummus of Magnentius (AD 350-3), dating the period AD 351 to 352 (Reece Period 18), VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAES reverse type depicting two Victories holding up one large shield containing the legend VOT V MVLT X. Mint of Amiens. RIC VIII, p. 122, no. 11
Created on: Friday 5th September 2014
Last updated: Saturday 2nd December 2017
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Cannington CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-9AAFF3
Object type: HAMMER
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed hammer, broadly sub-rectangular with slightly convex faces and a square socket. The top and bottom face angle slightly together towards the striking surface giving the sides of the hammer a trapezoid shape. The striking surface is also convex curved giving rounded ends to the sides of the hammer. There is a wide, plain thickened collar at the socket end of the hammer adjacent to the rim; the corners of this are rounded giving a sub-square outer edge to the rim. There is no clear evidence for a loop, although on side is corroded and could potential…
Created on: Wednesday 17th September 2014
Last updated: Tuesday 2nd July 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Whitelackington CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-978FA2
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy nummus fraction (half-nummus) of Constantine I dating to the period AD 310 to 311 (Reece period 15). SOLI INVICTO reverse type depicting Sol standing facing, head left, chlamys draped over left shoulder, right hand raised, left hand holding up globe. Minted at Trier. RIC VI, p. 228, Trier 899.
Created on: Monday 29th September 2014
Last updated: Saturday 23rd February 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Kingsdon CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-E8AE5B
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy radiate of Carausius dating to the period AD 286 to 293 (Reece period 14). PAX AVG reverse type depicting Pax standing left holding a branch up in her right hand and vertical sceptre in left. Probably Unattributed Mint. RIC V, pt 2, p. 535, cf. 880. This coin is included in Sam Moorhead's corpus for RIC.
Created on: Friday 3rd October 2014
Last updated: Wednesday 6th January 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Kingsdon CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-EA5770
Object type: COIN
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A Roman copper-alloy radiate of Carausius dating to the period AD 286 to 293 (Reece period 14). AEQVIT[AS AVG] reverse type depicting Aequitas standing left holding scales in her right hand and a cornucopiae in left. Possibly Mint of London, -//(ML). Sam Moorhead has another example of this type with a London mintmark in his corpus for the new RIC for Carausius and Allectus. For an unmarked example cf. RIC V.ii, p. 526; no. 736. This coin is included in Sam Moorhead's corpus for RIC.
Created on: Friday 3rd October 2014
Last updated: Wednesday 6th January 2016
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Kingsdon CP', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SOM-0D42E7
Object type: BUCKLE
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Somerset
Workflow stage: Published
A small copper-alloy single-looped buckle of medieval date, missing its pin, but otherwise complete with cast frame and folded sheet plate. The oval frame is notably small, with a prominent protruding outer edge (14.0 mm long, 16.0 mm wide, 2.9 mm thick). The bar is narrowed and offset. The protruding outer edge forms the pin rest and features a central double pin groove along its width. The outer edge is rounded at its centre, flanked to each side by a more pointed lobe that curves outwards. The front is decorated with engraved rocker arm in a curved line between the pin grooves and…
Created on: Tuesday 17th March 2020
Last updated: Tuesday 26th October 2021
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Cheddar CP', grid reference and parish protected.