Press Releases

This discovery was made in 2001 by Mr Phil Smith while metal detecting on land in the area of Llanbadoc. He reported this significant discovery to the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales. The hoard is being studied at National Museum Cardiff and is contributing to our understanding of what Bronze Age life was like in south Wales. Hoards of this type are, since 2003, legally classified as treasure.

Dating to between 1000 and 800BC, nearly 3,000 years ago, this group of 18 artefacts contains a number of ribbed axes, known as South Wales Type axes. These were made, used and buried in significant numbers in south-east Wales at this time. Also represented are fragments of swords, a spearhead, a sickle used in harvesting, a knife and the by-products of bronze casting. They were buried together in the ground, probably in a small pit, as a ritual gift to the pagan gods of the time.

Adam Gwilt, Curator of the Bronze Age Collections at the National Museum Wales says "We are very grateful to Llanbadoc Community Council for their generosity in donating this hoard to the national collections. We would also like to thank Phil Smith for his reporting of the find and his support for the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales. This discovery, and the story it tells, can now be shared with public audiences, now and for generations to come". Pam Sharratt, Chairman of Llanbadoc Community Council said "The Council is delighted with the arrangement for the hoard to be retained by the Museum for the benefit of visitors now and in the future".

Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

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