The Penard-Wilburton Succession: New Metalwork Finds from Croxton (Norfolk) and Thirsk (Yorkshire)

Abstract

Two important new metalwork groups were exhibited at a Society of Antiquaries ballot (4 May 1989, Needham 1989a). They contain both bronze and gold metalwork including some types that are rare, or as yet unique. Consideration of these finds, along with other associations of Penard to Wilburton date (1200–900 BC), leads to the conclusion that the Wallington complex is best subsumed within Penard (1200–1000 BC) and has minimal overlap with Wilburton. It is acknowledged that Wilburton material shows contrasting regional distributions, but this is seen as resulting from the nature of production and social organization during the tenth century BC. Some discussion is given to the character of hoards in the important period of change from Penard to Wilburton.