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Archaeologists recently discovered an amazing relic from the earliest days of ancient Britain: a Celtic war trumpet, which may have been tied to the legendary Queen Boudica’s tribe.
In January, History England announced that various Iron Age artefacts had been found during routine excavations.
The star of the cache was the almost extinct Iron Age war trumpet, or carnyx – used to break the terrifying sounds of battle and rally troops against the enemy.
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The trumpet was discovered by Pre-Construct Archeologists in West Norfolk in the eastern part of England.
“These animal-headed bronze instruments were used by Celtic tribes across Europe to encourage their warriors in battle and impressed the Romans, who often displayed them as war trophies,” History England said in a statement.
A nearly complete Celtic carnyx found in Norfolk is one of only three known examples found in Britain. (Norfolk Museum Service, Historic England)
“This newly excavated example is one of only three known in Britain and one of the most complete found in Europe.”
Norfolk was the heart of the ancient Iceni nation, a Celtic people once led by Boudica.
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In the first century AD, Boudica led a failed rebellion against the Romans – and has endured as a symbol of Britannia ever since.
Although it is impossible to tie the trumpet directly to Boudica, the artifact comes from the same Iron Age site associated with Iceni.
An Iron Age trumpet was found on land once associated with the Iceni tribe, famously led by Queen Boudica. (Culture Club/Bridgeman via Getty Images; Norfolk Museum Service, Historic England)
Tim Pestell, senior curator of archeology at Norfolk Museums Service, called the find “a powerful reminder of Norfolk’s Iron Age past which, through the story of Boudica and the Iceni people, continues to delight the British public.”
He added, “The Norfolk Carnyx Hoard will provide archaeologists with an unparalleled opportunity to investigate several rare objects, and ultimately, tell the story of how these were buried in the region over the past 2,000 years.”
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Archaeologists also found a pig’s head of copper sheet—an ornamental metal—and five shield heads, which were round housings used to protect the hands of warriors.
Archaeologists also found a “metal object of unknown origin,” according to the release.
“They found something they didn’t expect at all, they stopped for a moment, and they followed the practice of digging to find these rare and weak things.”
“The findings are unusual, not only in the British context, but throughout Europe,” says Historic England.
Archaeologists “carefully lift” the artefacts and bring them to Norfolk Museums Service, where conservation experts examine them.
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“The material is in a very fragile state and requires extensive stabilization work before a detailed study can begin,” the release said.
“Currently the case rests with the coroner, who will clarify its legal status in early 2026. This decision will inform the next steps for the future of the collector of the case.”
“The Norfolk Carnyx Hoard will provide archaeologists with an unparalleled opportunity to investigate many rare objects,” the official said. (Norfolk Museum Service, Historic England)
Pre-Construct Archaeology’s CEO, Mark Hinman, said in a statement that his organization’s project manager “felt that this site was going to be special.”
Hinman added, “We are very impressed with the team involved in this acquisition.”
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“They found something they didn’t expect at all, they stopped for a moment, and they followed the practice of digging to find these rare and weak things.”
Although not directly linked to Queen Boudica, the artifacts come from the same ancient site tied to her tribe. (Culture Club/Getty Images)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Historic England for further comment.
The trumpet is one of many Iron Age artefacts that have turned up across Britain in the past year.
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Last year, archaeologists from Durham University uncovered what they described as “one of the largest and most important Iron Age finds in the UK”.
The collection included more than 800 items, including 28 iron tires that may have been used for wagons.
