Our South Coast region has been thanked by the British Museum and the Government for donating its share of a Bronze Age hoard to the people of Hampshire.

The finds were located by a metal detectorist on land at the Harbourside View development in Portchester.

The regional management team has now received formal recognition from the British Museum for waiving its right to a reward for the treasure and donating it to Hampshire Cultural Trust, enabling the charity to acquire the artefacts.

Matt Paine, managing director of Persimmon South Coast, said: “Archaeological surveys are often undertaken as part of the routine preparation for a new homes development, but it is highly unusual and very exciting when something as special as this Bronze Age hoard is discovered on our land. We were thrilled to be able to support Hampshire Cultural Trust and ensure these important artefacts remain in the county.”

Persimmon received the letter along with a certificate signed by Caroline Dinenage MP, Minister of State for Digital and Culture which thanks the company for allowing the treasure to be placed in trust for public benefit, enabling people to gain a greater understanding of their local and national heritage. The find, which was declared treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 (Designation Order 2002), was assessed by the British Museum and is a Middle Bronze Age ornament hoard.

It consists of two Liss arm rings, an unlooped palstave axe, a quoit-headed pin, a knife/razor fragment and a fragment of a spear tip. The hoard was discovered by a metal detectorist on land north of Cranleigh Road where 120 new homes have been built at the Harbourside View development.

Hampshire Cultural Trust was established as an independent charity in 2014 to promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences. It funds and manages 23 attractions, from museums to galleries to art centres, and cares for 2.5 million objects relating to Hampshire’s rich and internationally important cultural heritage.

Persimmon Homes South Coast operates new homes developments across Hampshire, West Sussex, Dorset and Wiltshire.