Roman bracelets found on Anglesey declared as treasure

A pair of Roman bracelets have been declared as treasure this week by Acting Coroner for North Wales (East & Central) Kate Robertson.

The declaration was made on Wednesday after two copper alloy bands were found by Andrew Hutchinson whilst metal detecting in Llanddyfnan in September last year.

The bracelets were handed in to Sean Derby from Dyfed Archaeological Trust, before being taken in for examination by expert curators from Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales.

The items are said to be similar to others found in Conwy, Powys, and Plunton Castle in Dumfries and Galloway.

Comparisons suggest that they probably date to the 2nd century AD.

A “triskele” symbol which is featured on the bracelets is generally associated with Iron Age Celtic designs, but also occurs in artefacts from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, as well as Greek antiquity.

Experts said its use in Roman artefacts provided a “fascinating insight” into how cultures combined during the Roman occupation of Britain.

Finder Andrew Hutchinson said: “This is a lovely find, and I hope it sheds some more light on the history of Anglesey.”

Evan Chapman, senior curator of archaeology at Amgueddfa Cymru, said: “These bracelets are an interesting example of the mixing of native and Roman design and cultural traditions in a single object.”

Oriel Ynys Mon Museum has expressed an interest in acquiring the find for its collection once it has been independently valued by the Treasure Valuation Committee.

Ian Jones, building and collections manager at the museum, said: “We are excited by the news of this latest archaeological discovery from Ynys Môn.

“Until the discovery of the Tai Cochion Roman settlement near Brynsiecyn, Roman material has been lacking in our museum collection.

“These two bracelets would be an excellent addition, and we are pleased to work with Amgueddfa Cymru, the local landowner and the metal detectorist.

“We can’t wait to receive them and to put them on display. They will certainly be of interest to our visitors and can be shown to school and educational groups.”