I was delighted to be welcomed to Malton Museum to see the recently discovered Iron age shield and other parts of the Museum’s collections which will be displayed in the Museum’s new exhibition “Malton a sense of Place”.
I welcome the extensive outreach work that the Museum undertakes in local schools and with community groups where volunteers from the Museum explain the history of the area and the development of Malton, Norton and the surrounding area. It's great to hear of the exciting plans that are being developed to secure funding for a new home for the Museum so that more of the nationally significant collection of artefacts (primarily from the Roman times) can be displayed so that more visitors can be attracted to the Museum and the two towns.
This important discovery shows the rich history we have in our area. After seeing the shield for myself, I hope that everyone comes to see it to learn a bit more about our local heritage and to see the amazing restoration work that has brought it back to life.
In July the Museum will be holding a new Roman festival at the home of the ancient Roman Fort at Orchard Fields. Last year’s Festival attracted over 1,100 visitors and it is hoped that even more people will come to the bigger festival later this year.
Phil Crabtree, Chair of the Museums Trustees said: "It is one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent history and we would encourage anyone with an interest in the Iron Age to come visit us this month to enjoy this extraordinary exhibition.”
Scott Waters, Managing Director for Persimmon Yorkshire said: “Interest in the shield since it was discovered has been incredible and so we’re delighted to have played our part in helping ensure that such an exceptional finding has been preserved.”
The shield is now on display until the end of April at Malton Museum, in Malton, North Yorkshire. During the exhibition, which runs until 29th April, the museum will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10.30 am – 3.30 pm.
