The hoard was discovered in Autumn 2022 by local metal detector user, Martin White, whilst taking part in an East of England Rally – an organised detecting event.
Martin said:
“I’ve been detecting for about 10 years, and this is the most high profile find I’ve made so far, it was very exciting! We quickly consulted with the Archaeological Service so that the items could be removed and recorded, without being damaged. It was a privilege to be involved in the whole process, from discovery to excavation to seeing the finds go on display.”
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service facilitated the excavation of the hoard, which was carried out by Wardell Armstrong and Norfolk Museum Service conservators.
It was then conserved by the Norfolk Museum Service conservators.
All work was funded by the Euston Estate and East of England Rallies.
Faye Minter, Suffolk County Council’s Archaeological Archives and Projects Manager, said:
“This is a significant discovery. The larger plates and platters were used to allow food to be served communally and the octagonal bowls may have a Christian reference. Similar hoards are found across southern Britain, including from the nearby large Roman settlements at Icklingham and Hockwold.”