The Newark Torc

Iron Age

Newark Millgate Museum

250-50 BC

This torc is a rare and beautiful example of highly skilled Iron Age craftsmanship. The main body consists of rolled and twisted gold wire ropes fixed to ring-shaped terminals. These are decorated with an elaborate raised floral and point-work design. The torc is an alloy of gold, silver and copper, creating a radiant colour. It was probably made in Norfolk, where similar types have been discovered, and brought to the Newark area. Torcs were worn as ornaments symbolic of high status.

• Medium: gold, silver & copper
• Dimensions: diameter: 20cm
• Art Fund Grant: £20000 ( Total: £350,000)
• ArtFunded in: 2006
• Vendor: Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Provenance

Discovered near Newark in Nottinghamshire by a metal detectorist and declared Treasure in 2005.

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