Press Releases

TREASURE FOUND IN PEMBROKESHIRE

Two medieval silver brooch finds declared treasure

Two treasure finds, both dating to the medieval period, have today (30th September 2021) been declared treasure by Mr Paul Bennett, Acting Senior Coroner for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

A silver medieval annular brooch (Treasure Case 19.12) was discovered by Mr David Johnston while metal detecting on 10th March 2019. The brooch was a single find in a field under pasture in Penally Community, Pembrokeshire and dates to the 12th-13th centuries AD. Tenby Museum & Art Gallery intends to acquire the brooch for its collection, following its independent valuation via the Treasure Valuation Committee.

Eloise Chapman, Museum Assistant at Tenby Museum & Art Gallery comments:

“It is always exciting to have the opportunity to acquire a treasure find for the Museum. This lovely little brooch will provide an insight for our visitors into medieval fashion and everyday life in the Tenby area. As we don’t currently have anything like it in the collection, it would be a great addition.”

A second silver medieval brooch (Treasure Case 19.27), missing its pin, was discovered by Mr Kevin Higgs while metal detecting on 24th April 2019. The brooch was a single find in a field under pasture in Ambleston Community, Pembrokeshire and dates to the 13th-mid-14th centuries AD.  Scolton Manor Park & Museum intends to acquire the brooch for its collection, following its independent valuation via the Treasure Valuation Committee.

Dr Mark Redknap, Deputy Head of Archaeology Collections and Research, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales comments:

“As a result of the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the provisions of the Treasure Act, we are building a more accurate picture of fashion in the medieval period. Silver brooches decorated with niello were popular across medieval Wales and this small example may have fastened clothing made of fine cloth.”