Later Iron Age Norfolk - Natasha Hutcheson C. G.

This research aims to investigate later Iron Age society in Norfolk through a study of largely unstratified metal artefacts. In particular, it examines and interprets patterns in the distribution and deposition of torcs, coins and items of horse equipment across the landscape of Norfolk. Any research on later Iron Age Norfolk cannot, of course, take place without reference to Snettisham, the Iceni and Queen Boudica. This work does not neglect these important aspects of Norfolk's past, but sets them in their broader historical context and goes on to investigate whether this region was culturally 'backward' or peripheral to southern and south-eastern England. To achieve these aims, this research focuses on examining patterns in the distribution and deposition of torcs, coins and items of horse equipment across and within the landscape of Norfolk. Northern East Anglia does not boast a well-known and documented settlement record; a problem that has enhanced the perception that this region was culturally peripheral to southern and south-east England in the later Iron Age. Despite the lack of detailed information regarding settlement archaeology, Norfolk does appear to be rich in later Iron Age metalwork. The majority of metal artefacts known from the region have been recovered by metal-detectorists or by chance discovery. In particular, three categories of metalwork are the focus of this study: torcs, coins and items of horse equipment. 162 finds are detailed in the catalogue, each with a drawing.