A Finds Day held at y Gaer Museum in Brecon has identified a range of archaeological objects, some dating back thousands of years.

The event, held on Sunday, January 26, featured officers from Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. Members of the public were invited to bring in their old and interesting archaeological finds for identification.

For those unable to travel to Cardiff, the event offered a valuable opportunity for locals, as well as visitors from other parts of the country, to have their items identified and recorded for the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

Despite the weather, around 54 individuals and families attended, presenting their finds to Adelle Bricking, based in Cardiff, and Nicola Kelly, based in Swansea. In total, 70 objects from 13 finders were collected and taken back to Cardiff for further examination.

50 of the artefacts were found in Powys, however, some were found in areas such as Monmouthshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and one find from Devon.

Some of the objects identified were:

• Flint scraper - likely Neolithic to early Bronze Age in date (c.4000-2200 BC) - Llanfrynach community

• Copper alloy flanged axe that was intentionally broken, or 'ritually killed' before burial - Middle Bronze Age (c.1500-1150 BC) - Ystradfellte community

• Copper alloy vessel escutcheon in the shape of an ox head - Late Iron Age (c.100 BC-AD 100) - Cray community

Some of the other objects identified were: Roman brooches and coins, medieval spindle whorls, harness pendants, coins, post medieval trade weights, toys, belt mounts, buckles, and an 18th century crucifix pendant.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “It’s fantastic to see the range of archaeological objects found in Powys and further afield. Thank you to Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales for attending. This is a great opportunity for those who may hold some incredible items but are unable to get to Cardiff, to showcase them and have them recorded.

“This is also a perfect opportunity to showcase y Gaer, as for many who attended, as well as being the first time having their objects recorded for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, this would have been their first time visiting the building.

“We look forward to hosting further finds days in the future.”