Experts investigate Bronze Age axeheads discovered by metal detectorist in Jersey fields

A pair of socketed Bronze Age axe heads from more than 2,000 years ago have been found in a field in the second major archaeological discovery in Jersey this year.

Ken Rive, from the Jersey Metal Detecting Society, found the exposed axe heads inside a pottery vessel in a field in the parish of Trinity. Experts from Jersey Heritage are now running tests on them, having already enjoyed a busy few months following the unearthing of 70,000 Iron Age coins in July.

“For there to have been two archaeologically important finds in the space of just a few months illustrates the extent of Jersey’s rich cultural heritage and how significant the Island’s archaeology is,” said Olga Finch, the Curator of Archaeology at Jersey Museum.

“We are lucky in that this particular find appears to be mostly intact, which makes it quite rare and should help us to learn more about why the find was buried.”

Investigators said the top part of the hoard has been damaged by a plough, but the vessel was removed from its trench in one piece. Laboratory analysts are hoping to identify more of its contents.