Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

Backworth Hoard
Hob Uid: 26672
Location : North Tyneside Non Civil Parish
Grid Ref : NZ3000071000
Summary : The approximate findspot of the Backworth Treasure. A 2nd century AD Roman treasure hoard was found north-east of Backworth, Northumberland in circa 1811 (the exact location is not known) was probably connected with the worship of the Deae Matres. The find consisted of a silver skillet with relief floral design on handle and inscription MATR(IBVS) FAB(IVS) DVBIT (ATVS) inlaid with gold, and the top covered by a circular silver mirror with foliated border. Within the vessel were five gold rings, one of which was inscribed MATR/VM CO/COAE; a silver 'serpent' ring; two gold chains each with wheel and crescent pendants attached; two silver-gilt 'Trumpet' brooches; a gold bracelet; three silver spoons; 280 denarii and two large brass coins of Antoninus Pius (AD 138-61). A small silver dish was also seen. The hoard was purchased by a Newcastle-upon-Tyne silver-smith in 1811, (and with the exception of the coins and small silver dish) it was later sold to a Mr Brummell and then the British Museum.
More information : A C2nd Roman treasure hoard found NE of Backworth (centred NZ 30 71), Northumberland circa 1811 (exact location not known) was probably connected with the worship of the Deae Matres. The find consisted of a silver skillet with relief floral design on handle and inscription MATR(IBVS) FAB(IVS) DVBIT (ATVS) inlaid with gold, and the top covered by a circular silver mirror with foliated border. Within the vessel were five gold rings, one of which was inscribed MATR/VM CO/COAE; a silver 'serpent' ring; two gold chains each with wheel and crescent pendants attached; two silver-gilt 'Trumpet' brooches; a gold bracelet; three silver spoons; 280 denarii and two large brass coins of Antoninus Pius (138-61). A small silver dish was also seen. The hoard was purchased by a Newcastle-upon-Tyne silver-smith in 1811, (and with the exception of the coins and small silver dish) it was later sold to a Mr Brummell and then the British Museum. (1-2) British Museum website. (3)

Sources :

Source Number : 1
Source :
Source details : (E Hawkins)
Page(s) : 35-44
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Plates :
Vol(s) : 8, 1851

Source Number : 1a
Source :
Source details : History of Northumberland Vol 3 (Hodgson)
Page(s) : 440
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Source Number : 2
Source :
Source details : Antiquities of Roman Britain 1951 (British Museum)
Page(s) : 14, 18, 22, 26, 28, 38
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Plates :
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Source Number : 3
Source :
Source details : Trustees of the British Museum. 'The Backworth Treasure' <> [Accessed 30-JUL-2010]
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Roman
Display Date :
Monument End Date : 199
Monument Start Date : 100
Monument Type : Findspot
Evidence : Find

Components and Objects:

Period : Roman
Component Monument Type : Findspot
Object Type : HOARD, VESSEL, MIRROR, RING, BROOCH, SPOON, BRACELET, CHAIN, COIN
Object Material : Gold

Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : NZ 37 SW 2
External Cross Reference Notes :

Related Warden Records :

Related Activities :

Historic England Research Records

Backworth Hoard