ITEMS uncovered by metal detectorists in the Brecon Beacons and surrounding areas are to be housed at Brecon’s refurbished museum.

The items are some of 11 archaeological discoveries made by members of the public that range in date from the ninth century BC to the 17th century that have been declared treasure by the coroner for Powys and Glamorgan.

Five finds had been made in Powys and Merthyr Tydfil and include an “unusual” late Bronze Age hoard found in Llanfrynach in August 2016 by Steve Davies.

The mixed hoard of bronze tools, weapons and ornaments, also includes part of a gold bracelet, and has been described as having an unusual mix of objects by national museum archaeologists.

Adam Gwilt, principal curator of prehistory at the National Museum Wales said: “Normally, hoards from this period contain many socketed axes, but the Llanfrynach hoard also includes by-products of the casting process, weapons and ornaments, including part of a gold bracelet, so it’s a significant find for Powys.”

It is intended the finds from Powys and Merthyr will be acquired for local museum collections with grant support provided by the Heritage Lottery Funded Saving Treasures; Telling Stories Project.

As well as the Llanfrynach find fragments of a late Bronze Age axe fragments discovered near Llanfihangel Cwmdu by Jack Jeffries, in June 2017, and an early Medival silver strap end found at Ystradfellte by Andrew Morgan will be brought by the Brecknock Museum.

The strap dates from the ninth century AD and is one of a small number found in Wales which are Anglo-Saxon in style and origin. It is decorated with an animal’s head, a cross and interlace pattern, and would have originally fitted on the end of a belt or similar item.

Nigel Blackamore, senior Curator of Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery, which is acquiring both Bronze Age hoards and the strap-end, said: “We are so excited to be acquiring these important Brecknock treasures with the help of Saving Treasures and the HLF. With the Brecknock Museum soon to reopen, in the new Powys County Council y Gaer building, here in Brecon, we will have a superb venue to display these important metal detector finds for the people of the area and all those visiting the region.”

Five Roman coins found in Vaynor in the Beacons will be acquired by the Cyfarthfa Museum and Art Gallery in Merthyr Tydfil.

Four different finders discovered the coins in May 2017 and they include two coins from the Republican period. The earliest of these dates to 80 BC and the other was issued by Mark Antony, the famous politician and military leader, about 40 years later. The latest of the coins, issued by the Emperor Nerva (96-98 AD), dates the burial of the coin group together, at around the end of the first century AD.

A medieval silver annular brooch found near Montgomery will be brought by the Powysland Museum, Welshpool.