Rothley Hoard to go on Display

Published: 13 years ago Author: wendy scott

The public will have its first chance to view the rare axe mould and three associated axes, found by Mr Andy Chamberlain on 24th May 2009. These complete moulds are extremely rare, with less than 10 known, and help us to understand the technological changes that occured during the Bronze Age. The mould (PAS ref LEIC-A6BB51) would have made a 'Welby' type socketed axe from the late Middle Bronze Age 1020-800BC.

This is very significant as this type of axe was named after the village of Welby, Leics, where they were first identified. Welby lies just 10 miles east of the Rothley findspot and Ben Roberts, Curator of the Bronze Age at the British Museum, believes it is possible that our axe mould could have been used to make the very axes that named the type.

The Hoard was purchased by Leicestershire County Council Museums Service via the Treasure process (Case No 2009 T278) with generous support from the Friends of Leicester and Leicestershire Museums; Friends of Charnwood Museum; Rothley Heritage Trust and parishioners and the Hames Charity (Rothley).

Contact: wendy scott 0116 3058325