Archaeology collections

The main focus of the archaeological collections is locally excavated objects from the City of Plymouth, West Devon and the South Hams. Items include prehistoric artefacts from Dartmoor, important Bronze Age and Iron Age material from Mount Batten and medieval and post-medieval finds from Plymouth.

Additionally, we hold material from Cornwall and elsewhere in Britain alongside smaller collections of Egyptology and other Mediterranean cultures.

Archaeology on display

Around 500 objects are showcased in two new galleries created as part of our 2007 to 2008 ground floor refurbishment scheme. Visit our permanent galleries area now for more information about Ancient Egypt and Uncovered.

Portable Antiquities Scheme

If you find a gold or silver object, or groups of coins from the same findspot which are over 300 years old, or groups of prehistoric base metal objects, it is your legal obligation to report such items under the Treasure Act 1996. More information is available on the Portable Antiquities Scheme website.

In development

Fabulous finds

We'll be adding some highlights from our collection online soon, into our Fabulous Finds gallery.

Archaeological archives

We're developing an area of the website which will have information on what we hold, how the archives are used for research, and how to deposit an archive with us.