Unearthing the Chiseldon cauldrons. © Wessex Archaeology

In 2004 a large group of Iron Age cauldrons was discovered at a site near Chiseldon in the United Kingdom. It was a unique find the largest group of Iron Age cauldrons ever to be discovered in Europe. Their study will significantly contribute to the understanding of these important artefacts.

The group of 12 or more cauldrons provide a chance to research their manufacture, use and burial. This will help re-assess the chronology and social importance of cauldrons, as well as related sheet-metal vessels, in Iron Age Britain and Ireland in a wider European context.


Discovery and excavation

The cauldrons were carefully excavated from within a fascinating Iron Age landscape
Discovery and excavation 
An Iron Age landscape 

Studying the cauldrons

Conservation and scientific analysis will reveal how the cauldrons were used
Conserving the cauldrons 
Studying the cauldrons 

Find out more
 

Watch a cauldron being conserved and follow project progress on the blog
Read the latest blog post 
Cauldron conservation video