Archaeologists find rare 9th-century gold artifact near Roman road in northern England

Archaeology students at Newcastle University have found a rare 9th-century gold artifact during their latest fieldwork at Redesdale, Northumberland, in July 2025.

What was found The artifact is a small gold object, approximately 4 cm (1.6 in) long, with a decorative handle or pommel at one end – likely a ball-headed pin from the early Middle Ages.

Context of the excavation The discovery was made just 90 minutes after the first excavation began for Yara Souza, an archaeology student from Orlando, Florida, who is enrolled in an honours BA in Archaeology. She had previously missed an excavation at the Roman fort at Birdoswald due to illness, which makes the moment all the more significant.

Location and historical significance The site is located near the Dere Street, a famous Roman-era road that historically connected York in England with Edinburgh in Scotland. It remained an important thoroughfare long after Roman rule and now roughly corresponds to the modern A68.

Experts say the Dere Street connected two major religious centres, Jedburgh and Hexham, in early medieval Britain.

Interpretations and collaborations As gold was reserved for the elite, archaeologists believe the item had religious or ceremonial significance and may even have been deliberately buried.

“It is possible that this pair of objects may have been deliberately buried,” said Professor James Gerrard, Professor of Roman Archaeology at Newcastle University.

The project highlights the value of teamwork between archaeologists and metal detectors, combining academic research with community engagement. Andrew Agate, Finds Liaison Coordinator for the Portable Antiquities Programme in North East England, called it “a great example of how metal detectors and archaeologists can come together to improve our understanding of the past in Northumberland.”

Future plans The artefact will undergo further analysis as part of the Portable Antiquities Programme, with the hope of it being displayed at the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle.