Bronze Age torcs discovered at Carlisle substation site

Three Bronze Age arm rings have been discovered by metal detectorists at a site where a new electricity substation could be built, with archaeologists describing the find as "spectacular". The gold artefacts were found on 23 May in the Blackford area north of Carlisle. Alan Daniels, one of the discoverers, said of the gold torcs: "This is like the holy grail of metal detecting finds." Campaigners against National Grid's plans for the area say it should be designated a site of archaeologic significance. Cumberland Council said that decision was up to Historic England, while National Grid said it would consider historical finds in its appraisal of the site. Daniels and Andy Crammond travelled from Scotland to attend a metal detecting rally when they made the discover. Daniels says initially they hadn't found anything out of the ordinary, only a "couple of old coins and loads of junk." But when the pair uncovered the gold torcs they felt as though they'd hit the jackpot. The rally was organised by Lothian Relics Metal Detecting which had been invited by campaign group North Carlisle Against the Substation and Pylons. Organiser Gary Robertson says the torcs would have been worn on the

Jun 4, 2026 → Jun 4, 2026