Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Wednesday 24 January 2024

The Knaresborough Hoard


The website Phys.org has a report of research into the Knaresborough Hoard, a collection of Roman bronze tableware found somewhere near the Yorkshire town in the mid-nineteenth century. It was given to the Yorkshire Museum in York by the local worthy who had apparently found it. I am not sure how well it is known, in so far as I do not recall seeing it on my various visits to the Museum, and indeed it does not appear to have been studied very much until the recent research.


The research into the hoard is also reported in a similar article from Archaeology which can be seen at Bronze Hoard From Roman Britain Analyzed


There is now a third article from Ancient Origins which gives more details and insights revealed by the research. It can be seen at Knaresborough Hoard Reveals Long- Forgotten Secrets


On the assumption that the vessels are indeed tableware, and not of ritual significance, and whilst it is obviously less spectacular than the dinner service of the Mildenhall treasure this collection does suggest something of the style and display that could be used to grace a dinner table or a villa in provincial Britannia.



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