Rare 3,000-Year-Old Gold Torc to Stay in Market Harborough After Fundraising Success

A rare 3,000-year-old gold torc discovered near Market Harborough will soon go on display at the town’s museum following a successful fundraising campaign.

The Middle Bronze Age jewellery, found by metal detectorist Robert Ward in 2024, was valued at £150,000 and is one of only a few examples in the country.

A public crowdfunding appeal raised the final £10,000 needed to keep the torc in Leicestershire, preventing it from being sold to a private collector.

Pic: Robert Ward

The torc, thought to have originally been worn around its owner’s waist and later modified to be worn around the neck, was officially declared as treasure.

The fundraising campaign, organised by the Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society (LAHS), was also supported by grants and donations from the Art Fund, Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Market Harborough Historical Society, and the Leicestershire Fieldworkers group.

Jim Butler is from the LAHS is thanking everyone who donated: