FindsResearchGroup

Finds Research Group is a forum for people interested in or researching artefacts of the post-Roman to Post-Medieval periods. 400AD - 1950.

[Gary Bankhead @GaryBankhead]

The Alfred Jewel, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.

Extraordinary craftsmanship, enduring mystery, and a tangible link to Alfred’s England.

[Gary Bankhead @GaryBankhead]

Fox News Digital reports the decades-long mystery of the Archbishop of Canterbury hoard is finally solved — with the full story revealed in my new book.
From discovery in the River Wear to how it got there, a remarkable chapter in Durham’s history...
https://t.co/iuDj1H7DuY

[FindsResearchGroup @FindsGroup]

📣 Finds Research Group Meeting | Chester
9–10 May 2026 @ Grosvenor Museum
Post‑Roman & Early Medieval finds from the Chester Amphitheatre & beyond. Talks, finds viewing & city walk.
🎟️ https://t.co/tWeIL8lQ1E

[Rob Webley @Rob_Webley]

For #FindsFriday a group of gold medieval pendants recorded via @findsorguk as Treasure (a fourth is being processed currently). The form has been observed to have connections with the Eastern Baltic, and the findspots of all fall in eastern England.

[Rob Webley @Rob_Webley]

For #FindsFriday a seal matrix found in Lancashire @findsorguk but connected with Bromholm Priory, Norfolk. The Patriarchal cross was brought there from Constantinople in the 13th century. Pilgrim items include ampullae, many from London but some found in the Netherlands. #MedRit

[Gary Bankhead @GaryBankhead]

Marking St Cuthbert’s Day with a find from the River Wear: a late‑medieval pilgrim’s ampulla recovered during a dive beneath Elvet Bridge, Durham City. Stamped with a crowned ‘W’ and bearing distinct bite marks—material evidence of devotion and medieval pilgrimage...

[Rob Webley @Rob_Webley]

Some of the largest medieval seal matrices recorded @findsorguk can be associated with the Trinitarians (active in England from 1244). The earliest of those shown originated at their house at Easton, Wiltshire. #FindsFriday

[Rob Webley @Rob_Webley]

For #FindsFriday a rare depiction of a tetramorph of the evangelists on a medieval seal matrix. This matrix is of unusual shape and belonged to Thomas of Ringleton (Kent), but found in Norfolk (@findsorguk NMS-AD5AAA). The evangelists' initials surround the composite creature.

[Gary Bankhead @GaryBankhead]

🐍 Twin‑Headed Snake Buckle from the River Wear!
Here’s the moment I uncovered a post‑medieval twin‑headed snake buckle beneath the River Wear in Durham — lifted straight from the gravel and added to the growing Durham River Wear Assemblage.
More info: https://t.co/9t6ddTvadI

[Rob Webley @Rob_Webley]

For #findsfriday a backplate from an 18th-century delftware stoup found on the Thames foreshore in London. @FindsOrg

[Gary Bankhead @GaryBankhead]

📚 Discover Durham’s Hidden Treasures!

My new @ArchandArch research monograph 'Pilgrim Souvenirs, Devotional and Other Objects of Faith...' is now available!
✨ Hardback: https://t.co/xZmixKbwPB
📖 Paperback & Kindle: https://t.co/7dCyB9BZ1h

#archaeology #Durham #pilgrimage

[The Mary Rose @MaryRoseMuseum]

Woollen hats seem to have been popular with the crew, this is one of our best examples. It fits a modern 7¼ hat size.

We also have its original silk lining, which has the remnants of a tartan-style pattern.

#NationalHatDay

[FindsResearchGroup @FindsGroup]

Datasheet 55: 'Decorative copper-alloy leather mounts and strap-slides of the 16th-18th centuries' by Dr Simon Maslin FSA is now available to download from our website.... https://t.co/nHsRDiTqQg

[Andrew White @apwecho]

Today @TheNorthernEcho reveals details of a major Roman production site found hidden in plain sight on the banks of the River Wear. A team led by @GaryBankhead has spent months digging the site and researching the finds which is set to rewrite history.
https://t.co/FPbUH1pdi4

[Gary Bankhead @GaryBankhead]

A delightful post medieval hat pin from the @DiveIntoDurham collection

[Gary Bankhead @GaryBankhead]

My River Wear discoveries in Durham are featured in Cultured North East! These medieval finds link to pilgrimage at St Cuthbert’s shrine in Durham Cathedral and shed light on the origins of his golden cross... @DiveIntoDurham
https://t.co/7nD88OFLAO

[Gary Bankhead @GaryBankhead]

My new research monograph 'Pilgrim Souvenirs, Devotional and other Objects of Faith. Late-medieval to modern period small finds from the River Wear, Durham' is available in hardback via: https://t.co/zkCoqppEk9
& on Amazon as paperback & Kindle editions: https://t.co/eHTsJtmw1X

[Andrew White @apwecho]

The remarkable discovery of objects from the River Wear in Durham is explored in this new publication from @GaryBankhead It promises to be a fascinating read. Click the link for the full story 👉https://t.co/tKMiVcgfcI

[Gary Bankhead @GaryBankhead]

Small finds from the river…

#archaeology

[FindsResearchGroup @FindsGroup]

Congratulations Gary on the completion of your second research monograph 👏👏👏

[Gary Bankhead @GaryBankhead]

For those keen to grab an early copy of my new research monograph 'Pilgrim Souvenirs...' an Amazon paperback (£29.99) & Kindle Edition (£7.99) are now available here: https://t.co/x63u35WrkW The hardcover version will be available by the end of this week: https://t.co/zkCoqppEk9