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Archaeologists from Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales believe an Iron Age fragment found in Boverton last year (2009) is the missing half of a bracelet first discovered in 2005. This bracelet section along with a small hoard of two Middle Bronze Age palstaves from Llantwit Major, a post medieval silver gilt ring found at Llanmaes and a silver-gilt annular brooch uncovered in Llantrithyd were declared treasure today (Wednesday 10 February) by H.M. Coroner for Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

The bracelet band is decorated with a repeating triangle or chevron and a line of dots. It was made during the Late Iron Age and buried in a grave containing a second identical bracelet. This was found in 2005 and declared treasure in 2006. When compared with the previously found bracelet fragments, a matching join was found and the decoration was identical and continuous.

The silver gilt ring found at Llanmaes in November 2008 by a metal detectorist takes the form of a plain broad band ring. Its inner face is engraved with the legend ‘I LICKE MY CHOYS’ in Roman capitals, typical of the 17th Century.

In April 2009, the medieval brooch frame, dating back to the 14th century was discovered in Llantrithyd, in the Vale of Glamorgan. The silver gilt frame is from a hexagonal openwork brooch.

Also declared treasure was a small Middle Bronze Age hoard of two bronze palstaves, discovered on ploughed farm land near Llantwit Major in September 2009. The Llantwit Major hoard, with its two different palstave forms – one with a wide blade and the other with a narrow blade - dates to between 1350 - 1250BC. This hoard provides information on the early use of narrow-bladed palstaves in Wales.

Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales will seek to acquire these objects following their independent valuation.

Entry to National Museum Cardiff where the objects will be on display in the future is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru 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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For further information, images or interview opportunities, please contact Catrin Mears, Communications Officer, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales on (029) 2057 3185 / 07920 027067 or email catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk.