A near-complete Iron Age battle trumpet, called a carnyx, which was discovered in Norfolk (Norfolk Museum Service/PA)This newly excavated example is one of only three known from Britain and is one of the most complete found in Europe, Historic England said. Initial scanning took place to reveal how the items were positioned within the soil block, and conservation experts at Norfolk Museums Service were then able to remove each object for preliminary examination. Historic England is working with Pre-Construct Archaeology, Norfolk Museums Service and the National Museum of Scotland – a leading authority on carnyces – to co-ordinate research and conservation. Dr Fraser Hunter, Iron Age and Roman curator at National Museums Scotland, said the find would “add enormously to our understanding of the Iron Age world”. Dr Tim Pestell, senior curator of archaeology for Norfolk Museums Service, said: “This find is a powerful reminder of Norfolk’s Iron Age past which, through the story of Boudica and the Iceni people, still retains its capacity to fascinate the British public.

Source: The Times January 07, 2026 00:31 UTC