Monument Number 364469 |
| Hob Uid: 364469 | |
Location :
Cambridgeshire
Huntingdonshire
Chesterton
|
| Grid Ref : TL1240096900 |
| Summary : Water Newton Hoard: A treasure comprising one gold and twenty-seven silver objects was found within the town walls of Dvrobrivae (TL 19 NW 62) in February 1975 by Mr. A. Holmes. The largest item was a shallow silver dish, 27 cm. in diameter, with a Chi-Rho and omega in the centre. This had been the container for the other objects which were as follows:- 1. Broken plain bowl. 2. Mouth and neck of a spouted jug. 3. Bowl decorated with facets. 4. Decorated jug. 5. Cup with two handles (detached). 6. Small wine-strainer. 7. Inscribed cup, partly lost. 8. Similarly inscribed cup or bowl. The smaller objects comprised ten triangular plaques with veins like leaves, seven similar plaques but also stamped with a Chi-Rho, a gold disc with Chi-Rho and alpha and omega, and fragments of undecorated silver plaques or sheet. It is probable that the treasure belonged to a Christian group which had a regular place of worship, and was concealed during the time of persecution. The earliest possible date of deposition is the latter part of the third century, and the latest possible date is some time in the fourth century. This is the earliest group of Christian religious silver from the whole Roman empire and is a discovery of international importance. The finds were declared Treasure Trove in September 1975 and are now in the British Museum. |
More information : TL 124969. A treasure comprising one gold and twenty-seven silver objects was found within the town walls of Dvrobrivae (TL 19 NW 62) in February 1975 by Mr. A. Holmes. The find spot is described as being "104 paces along the hedge and 70 paces into the centre of the field". The largest item was a shallow silver dish, 27 cm. in diameter, with a Chi-Rho and omega in the centre. This had been the container for the other objects which were as follows:-
1. Broken plain bowl.
2. Mouth and neck of a spouted jug.
3. Bowl decorated with facets.
4. Decorated jug.
5. Cup with two handles (detached).
6. Small wine-strainer.
7. Inscribed cup, partly lost.
8. Similarly inscribed cup or bowl.
The smaller objects comprised ten triangular plaques with veins like leaves, seven similar plaques but also stamped with a Chi-Rho, a gold disc with Chi-Rho and alpha and omega, and fragments of undecorated silver plaques or sheet. It is probable that the treasure belonged to a Christian group which had a regular place of worship, and was concealed during the time of persecution. The earliest possible date of deposition is the latter part of the third century, and the latest possible date is some time in the fourth century. This is the earliest group of Christian religious silver from the whole Roman empire and is a discovery of international importance. The finds were declared Treasure Trove in September 1975 and are now in the British Museum. (1-3)
Analysis of the hoard. (6) |