Towton torcs
Iron age gold torcs
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The Towton torcs are a pair of gold bracelets from Towton, North Yorkshire, England, dating from the later Iron Age.
Towton, North Yorkshire
| Towton torcs | |
|---|---|
The second of the two torcs discovered. | |
| Material | Gold, silver, and copper |
| Period/culture | Iron Age Britain |
| Discovered | 2010 and 2011 Towton, North Yorkshire |
| Present location | Yorkshire Museum, York |
| Identification | SWYOR-CFE7F7 |
Discovery
The torcs were found by metal detectorists in a stream in 2010 and 2011.[1]
Description
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
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]