A huge Iron Age hoard discovered in a Yorkshire field by a metal detectorist could lead to a revaluation of the wealth and status of the elite living in northern Britain 2,000 years ago, an archaeologist has said.The Melsonby Hoard, which lay untouched in two ditches near the North Yorkshire village of that name since the middle of the 1st century, comprises more than 800 items including partial remains of wagons, ceremonial spears and pony harnesses.

A huge Iron Age hoard discovered in a Yorkshire field by a metal detectorist could lead to a revaluation of the wealth and status of the elite living in northern Britain 2,000 years ago, an archaeologist has said.The Melsonby Hoard, which lay untouched in two ditches near the North Yorkshire village of that name since the middle of the 1st century, comprises more than 800 items including partial remains of wagons, ceremonial spears and pony harnesses.