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Towton torcs

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Towton torcs
The second of the two torcs discovered.
MaterialGold, silver, and copper
Period/cultureIron Age Britain
Discovered2010 and 2011
Towton, North Yorkshire
Present locationYorkshire Museum, York
IdentificationSWYOR-CFE7F7

The Towton torcs are a pair of gold bracelets from Towton, North Yorkshire, England, dating from the later Iron Age.

Discovery

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The torcs were found by metal detectorists in a stream in 2010 and 2011.[1]

Description

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Both torcs are gold alloys and formed from a twisted wire with looped terminals. The first torc discovered comprised a twisted wire of two strands, the second had four strands. The first torc measured 75.1 millimetres (2.96 in) in diameter, weighed 67.7g. It had a metal content of 80-84% gold; 12-14% silver; and at least 4% copper.[2]

Acquisition and display

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After being declared as treasure, the Yorkshire Museum launched a public funding campaign to raise the £60,000 required to purchase the torcs.[3] The torcs were acquired by the museum in November 2013.[1][4]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Yorkshire Museum buys second Towton bracelet". BBC News. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  2. ^ "BRACELET (SWYOR-CFE7F7)". Portable Antiquities Scheme. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  3. ^ "Appeal to keep Towton Iron Age treasure in Yorkshire". BBC News. 22 November 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  4. ^ "Yorkshire Museum buys £30,000 Iron Age torc after public appeal succeeds". Culture24. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
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