Two exciting new discoveries of Roman treasure will go on public display for the first time at the Museum of Liverpool tomorrow [13 February].

Roman Treasures of Cheshire presents the Cheshire Hoards artefacts recently discovered by local metal detectorists, and will give an insight into people’s lifestyles in the region’s early Roman and Iron Age period.

The treasure hoards, which may have been buried for safekeeping, are the Knutsford and Malpas Hoards, found in 2012 and 2014, and were acquired in partnership between the Museum of Liverpool and Congleton Museum to be preserved and displayed to the North West public.

Liz Stewart, curator of archaeology and the historic environment at the Museum of Liverpool, says: “These two hoards provide fascinating evidence about the wealth, trade, lifestyles and identities of people in the North West in the early Roman period.

“It’s very special to be able to acquire and display these items for the region and to explore the long history of the area with our visitors.”

The Knutsford Hoard, includes jewellery items such as three examples of gilt ‘trumpet’ brooches, sometimes associated with the Roman army, two cast silver finger rings, and more than 100 coins which were issued between 32BC to the late 2nd Century.

Ian Doughty, collections manager at Congleton Museum, says: “The hoards tell the story of the early history of the region, and point to links between the Cheshire salt fields and the coastal trading centres in and around Merseyside.

“We’re delighted that with Heritage Lottery Fund support, visitors to our museums can learn more about the region’s history.”

The Malpas Hoard, found in 2014 during a metal detecting rally, may have been buried in the mid-1st Century, and includes 35 Iron Age and Roman coins with the mixture of coins from two areas considered very unusual.

Sara Hilton, head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West which secured the display via a grant, adds: “It’s fantastic to see these two important hoards on display to the public for the first time. They reveal so much about the way our ancestors lived and how the community around here developed into what it is today.

“I hope that everyone takes this opportunity to delve into and get inspired by this history.”

The display runs from 13 February to 19 June 2016 at the Museum of Liverpool

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