Boudicca’s Trumpet? An Examination of the Norfolk Carnyx Hoard

Mark Hinman, Pre-Construct Archaeology A remarkable collection of Iron Age objects has been discovered in West Norfolk. The hoard of metal objects was found during an archaeological excavation by Pre-Construct Archaeology. The discovery includes a near-complete Iron Age battle trumpet or carnyx and parts of another. These animal-headed bronze instruments were used by Iron Age tribes across Europe to inspire their warriors in battle and fascinated the Romans who frequently depicted them as war trophies. Despite their popular reputation such finds are incredibly rare. This newly excavated example is one of only three known from Britain and the most complete yet found in Europe. The hoard also includes a sheet-bronze boar’s head, originally from a military standard which is a first for the UK. Five shield bosses and an iron object of unknown origin complete the assemblage. The finds are rare, not only in a British context, but from across Europe. Speaker Biography Mark has always been interested in digging holes and since 1982 has put that practice to good use, firstly as a volunteer with a relatively new company at that time called Oxford Archaeology and latterly with Pre-Construct Archaeology. Mark stated that ‘the carnyx hoard is yet another reminder of how little we still know about our past and how much is still out there awaiting discovery’