A Bronze Age treasure is set to star at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven.

This stunning gold arm ring, unearthed locally in 2019, is a rare find for West Cumbria.

The artefact, thought to originate from around 900-700 BC, has been jointly acquired by both The Beacon Museum and Tullie through collaborative efforts and support from various funds and societies.

The Beacon Museum will showcase the prized possession from November 18 to June 2024 in its Prehistoric and Bronze Age section.

From July 2024, the artefact will then grace Tullie, Carlisle. It will then pass between both of the museums on a rotational basis.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, expressed satisfaction with the collaborative project.

She said: “As a new council, we are already seeing the advantages of working together to support culture in Cumberland. The Beacon Museum and Tullie have worked in partnership to ensure this significant find, found in our area, stays here, and will go on show, on a rotational basis, in two of our museums.

“The Cumberland area is lucky to have a wide range of arts and cultural attractions.

“This joint acquisition provides more opportunities for our communities to see this amazing find and discover more about their local heritage.”

Beacon Museum’s Customer and Visitor Experience Manager, Heather Holmes, anticipates that the find will significantly augment The Beacon Museum’s prehistoric and Bronze Age narrative.

She said: "The nature of the item, and its role as a showpiece object, will highlight the importance of the museum as a venue for sharing heritage.

"It’s a must-see exhibit."

Tullie’s Head of Collections and Engagement, Anna Smalley, described the regional significance, stating: "Since the Portable Antiquities Scheme began recording archaeological finds in 1997, only eight other gold objects from the Bronze Age have been recorded in Cumbria.

"The majority of Bronze Age material recorded originates in the south of Cumbria, making this Northern example really exciting for the local region."

Prof Michael Lewis, Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure, British Museum, also celebrated the new acquisition.

He said: "It is wonderful news that The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, has been able to acquire this important Late Bronze Age gold arm ring."

The Beacon Museum, owned and managed by Cumberland Council, opens daily from 10am-4.30pm.

Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.