Most complete Iron Age war trumpet and boar standard found together in Norfolk

February 07, 2026ArtifactBreakthrough

Site mentioned

📍 Thatchford

Key facts claimed:

- Discovery made by Pre-Construct Archaeology on building site in Thetford, Norfolk

- Most complete carnyx (Celtic war trumpet) ever found in Europe

- First boar head flag standard ever found in Britain

- Only three carnices previously found in Britain

- Made from extremely thin sheets of sheet-bronze, brittle after 2,000 years

Discovery made by Preconstruct Archaeology on building site near Norwich, Norfolk
Most complete carnyx (Celtic war trumpet) ever found in Europe
First boar head flag standard ever found in Britain
Only three carnices previously found in Britain
Made from extremely thin sheets of metal, brittle after 2,000 years
Pipe, mouthpiece, and bell all uniquely intact
Boar standard made from sheet bronze
Horde dates to approximately 50 BC to AD 50
Horde includes five shield bosses and iron object of unknown origin
Carnyx used by Celtic tribes to intimidate enemies and direct warriors in battle
Associated with Iceni tribe of East Anglia led by Queen Boudica
Romans frequently depicted carnices as war trophies
Boar standard held aloft in battle as rallying point for troops
Boar symbolism represents strength and fierce adversary