Project team
- Alexandra Baldwin, conservator, metal and ceramic artefacts
- Jamie Hood, conservator, historic and archaeological metalwork
- Jody Joy, curator, British and European Iron Age Collections
- Dr Andrew Fitzpatrick, Wessex Archaeology
Departments
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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.
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. Their study will significantly contribute to the understanding of these important artefacts.
Discovery and excavation
The cauldrons were carefully excavated from within a fascinating Iron Age landscape
Discovery and excavation
An Iron Age landscape
Cauldrons and feasting in the Iron Age
Studying the cauldrons
Conservation and scientific analysis will reveal how the cauldrons were used
Conserving the cauldrons
Studying the cauldrons
Cauldron conservation video
Blog
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A closer look at what the Chiseldon cauldrons are made of
25 September 2012
Quanyu Wang, scientist, British Museum
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Recording old cauldrons with new techniques
12 March 2012
Stephen Crummy, archaeological illustrator, British Museum
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A unique form of decoration
14 February 2012
Jamie Hood, British Museum