The Winmarleigh Hoard

By M.A. Hindle

Although no definite date has ever been ascertained as to when the Bronzes known as the Winmarleigh Hoard were unearthed, it is assumed from early references to this find (1) and (2) that it would most probably have been some time in the early part of the 19th century.

The information that we have refers to a collection of various artefacts described as 'celts, arrowheads and some singular brass tubes' that were turned up by the plough at Cogie Hill in Winmarleigh, eventually coming into the possession of Col. John Wilson Patten of Bank (Lord Winmarleigh). (3)

It was originally reported that the bronzes were contained in a 'large wooden box, fastened together with oak pins' and it therefore might appear that this was a collection of 'tools' specifically gathered together for some purpose, or, belonging to one individual.

The bronzes from Winmarleigh form two groups as listed below, but experts are convinced that both these groups were part of the original single find described by Whitaker and Thornber. (4) The axes in both groups are similar and the quality of surface patina is identical in both groups. It may be that at some time following the discovery the hoard was split in two, before eventually becoming reunited in the Museum.

(a) A lunate spearhead, a socketed and riveted spearhead with leaf-shaped blade, and five socketed axes with three vertical ribs on the faces described in the museum card-index as having been 'Found at Winmarleigh in a cist or box'. (5) Presented to the museum by Lord Winmarleigh in February, 1858.

(b) A tanged leaf-shaped dagger, a faceted socketed axe and two three-ribbed socketed axes, labelled 'Winmarleigh' and described in the museum card- index as having been 'Found in a box'. (6)

One of the two three-ribbed socketed axes cannot now be traced.

The brass 'tubes' referred to have since disappeared. They were possibly spearshaft ferrules.

(1) T.D. Whitaker, History of Richmondshire 2 Vols. 1823, ii 457.

(2) Rev. W. Thornber, 'Remarks on the Evidence of Roman Occupation in The Fylde District' L.C.H.S., iii, 1851, 123-124.

(3) E.Baines, History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of Lancaster. 4 Vols. (second edition 1836), 469).

(4) Bronze Age Metalwork from Lancashire and Cheshire. Davey & Forster Liverpool. (Work Notes) 1975.

(5) H.S.Cumming on 'British Antiquities Discovered in Lancashire.' Arch. Ass.J., xv, 1859, 234, pl. 24.

(6) Victoria County History of Lancashire i, 232-233, 254, figs 17-20, pl.v. Warrington Museum 1687-1690'96.

I would like to thank the Museum and Art Gallery of Warrington for their assistance and for supplying the photograph of the Winmarleigh Hoard.