Excavation

Soon an excavation was launched in June. It was then some Archaeologists dug out a couple of chariot wheels made of iron that had gone rusty with time. No doubt, this was an astounding discovery. It was a Celtic chariot burial. Michael said, “My first find was a Celtic horse harness junction piece.” He continued, “When I found it my friends said I would never top it, but the next day I went back and found the rest.” Interestingly, that was not the end……..  

Still More Underneath

As Mike excavated about eight inches deeper, he stumbled upon many more decorative pieces such as a brooch, bronze bridle fittings and the handle section of tools. However, the metal had gone green due to corrosion and the bronze pieces still colored with bright red enamel. Mike explained, “This is unprecedented.” “and underneath the chariot, there is still the three-meter metal anomaly. If you go by other chariot finds there could be weapons or it could even be treasure.”    

His Dream Come True

It is not that burial chariot was found for the very first time. There have been many chariot discoveries in the past in  Europe but this was the first time that one was found in England. Smith clarified, “I still can’t believe it.” He continued, “Obviously I’ve read other people’s finds. I’ve watched them on telly, and I’ve always thought, I wouldn’t mind finding that, it’s still surreal, and life-changing.” 

Natural Instinct


On being asked how he found the exact place, Mike replied, “It was just instinct. I’d read all about chariot burials and just wished it could have been me, so finding this has been a privilege.” The site has been brought under construction ever since the treasure was discovered. Mike sold off artifacts that he had found earlier.     

He’d Have To Sell Everything

He had about 34 artifacts in total. He sold them to a museum for a very good amount. However, he did not get the whole of the amount as he had to share 50% of it with the owner of the land. No wonder his findings turned out to be the most famous prize and so the renowned museum National Museum Of Wales wanted to take hold of it for its archives.     

An Ancient Find


Michael said, “I knew the importance of them straight away….I’d read all about chariot burials and just wished it could have been me, so finding this has been a privilege.” Though there is no concrete proof it is believed that the chariot is about 2,500 years old. However, no human remains are found around it.