THREE Bronze Age gold torcs believed to date back around 3,000 years have been discovered near Carlisle in a find described as 'incredibly rare' and of national importance.
The items were uncovered during a metal detecting rally organised by Lothian Relics Metal Detecting on land near Harker, an area currently being considered for a major new National Grid substation.
Experts believe the torcs – rigid neck ornaments typically worn as a sign of status – may have belonged to a family group, based on their differing sizes.
Allan Harty, a spokesperson for campaign group North Carlisle Against Pylons and Substations, said the discovery has highlighted the historic significance of the site.
"To find one torc is rare, but to find three together is incredibly significant," he said.
"From the size of them, it looks like a male, a female and a child, so possibly a family. It just shows how important this area may have been historically."
The torcs were found as part of a four-day organised dig involving around 100 metal detectorists, working methodically across the land with the permission of local landowners.
Mr Harty said those who made the discovery were left "shell-shocked."
"They were just in disbelief. Finds like that are something most detectorists never see in their lifetime," he said.
The torcs have been reported to the Finds Liaison Officer and will be assessed by experts, with their value estimated at around £500,000 each.
Alongside the gold items, participants also uncovered a Roman coin hoard, a medieval coin hoard and a Bronze Age axe head, pointing to what campaigners believe is a historically rich landscape.
Gary McLintock, of Lothian Relics Charity Digs, described the moment of discovery as "pure amazement".
"To see and hold 3,000 years of history in your hands is something special," he said.
"To find three gold torcs is super rare, and even rarer in Cumbria. This could possibly point to a very high-status burial site.
"A site like this with so much history should never be built on."
READ MORE: Residents oppose National Grid substation near Carlisle
Campaigners are now calling for the area to be formally recognised and protected, amid concerns over proposals linked to National Grid’s Cross Border Connection project.
The scheme could see a new substation built in the area, which residents fear would have a major impact on homes, farmland and the surrounding landscape.
Mr Harty said the discovery had strengthened the community’s resolve.
"People have been really upset about the proposals, but this has given them hope," he said.
"We now need the council and Historic England to help us understand what’s here and look at protecting it. This isn’t just locally important – it could be nationally significant."
The group is urging Cumberland Council to take a more active role and back calls for the substation to be located at an alternative site near Junction 42 of the M6 instead.
Further metal detecting rallies are planned later this year to explore the area more fully.
A spokesperson for National Grid said: "We’re aware that finds can sometimes come to light, and we take these seriously.
"As we develop our proposals for Cross Border Connection, we draw on detailed surveys, consultation feedback and expert heritage assessments. We also liaise closely with Cumberland Council and Historic England.
"Any verified finds would be carefully considered within our appraisal. We also encourage all discoveries to be properly recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme so they can be fully understood and inform the archaeological record."
Cumberland Council have also been contacted for a comment.
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