There’s treasure in them thar hills

One of the University of Exeter’s very own history-buffs features in a new BBC documentary about recent uncovered treasure on Dartmoor, said to date back 4,000 years.

University of Exeter archaeologist, Doctor Linda Hurcombe, helped the BBC in their coverage of the “most significant find on Dartmoor”, contributing her expertise.

Archaeologists found a Bronze-Age grave with intact human bones and a number of buried goods in a peat-bog… It might not be quite ‘Time Team scale’ but is still a significant find for historians.

You’re usually more likely to find a sheep chilling than an ancient grave

Among the treasures found were several “incredibly rare” hair bracelets, showing that fashion has progressed massively through history. Though slightly deteriorated, Dr Hurcombe was able to make replicas for the programme and discuss the significance of the finds.

She says of the discoveries: “Hair objects from [the Bronze Age] are incredibly rare. When you look at the original bracelet you can see the delicacy of the individual hairs…So intricate. Even from a distance you can see the shine of the tiny metal studs: it’s a delicate version of a punk studded cuff.”

The BBC2 programme, ‘The Mystery of the Moor’, aired on Sunday at 6:30pm, so if you’re feeling some cultural procrastination hit up iPlayer and watch some historians getting their hands dirty.