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Archaeology
Sheffield’s archaeology collection contains around 500,000 items, the majority of which have been excavated from Sheffield and the Peak District. It forms a unique record of human development in the local area, from the early Stone Age to the 20th century. The collection also includes objects from around the world including from Egypt, Cyprus, Central America and West Asia.
Archaeological objects from the Sheffield Literary and Philosophical Society formed one of the founding collections when Weston Park Museum opened in 1875. Local antiquarian Thomas Bateman’s large collection of archaeological finds from Yorkshire and Derbyshire came into the museum the following year. Bateman was a pioneering archaeologist who dug hundreds of ancient barrows in the Peak District and kept detailed records of his findings. Highlights include the most significant collection of Bronze Age jet jewellery in the UK and the Benty Grange helmet, the first Anglo-Saxon helmet found in Britain. Other significant early collectors who contributed to the collection include Rev Greville J Chester and William Bragge.
Large archaeological archives from more recent excavations in Sheffield throw light on the development of the city. They include Sheffield Castle and Sheffield Manor, and 19th and 20th century industrial metalworking sites and domestic houses.
Sheffield’s archaeology collection includes material from historic excavations that used practices that aren’t acceptable today. Museums are now governed by specific ethical and legal guidelines which shape our work around the acquisition, care and display of the items in our care. The collection continues to grow, both as a home to local finds discovered by members of the public and as the official repository for archaeological archives from current excavations in the local area.
If you think you have found something of archaeological interest please contact your local Portable Antiquities Scheme Finds Liaison Officer.
If you want to search for a specific item, phrase or object number, enter your search term in speech marks e.g. "Benty Grange".
