On September 21, Wrexham Museum, for the first time, put on public display the Roman lead ingot or ‘pig’ that was discovered near Rossett, north of Wrexham, last year.
The pig was discovered by local detectorist Rob Jones who immediately notified the local Finds Officer (NE Wales) for the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru) based at Wrexham Museum, allowing the object to be examined whilst it was still in the ground.
Steve Grenter, Heritage & Archives Lead, said “The pig has a fine moulded inscription which bears the name of Marcus Trebellius Maximus, the governor of the province of Britannia between 63 and 69CE, during the reign of the Emperor Nero. No other inscriptions bearing his name have ever been found in the UK, which is why it has attracted so much excitement nationally.
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The extraction of lead and silver was a significant reason for the invasion of Britain under the Emperor Claudius in 43CE. We know that the Romans exploited the mineral resources of Flintshire and possibly Minera, but we don’t have clear evidence at the latter site.
It is not currently known where the lead in the Rossett pig came from although work to determine this is currently ongoing at the University of Liverpool. We await the results of their research.”
Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for People – Communities, Partnerships Public Protection and Community Safety said: “Wrexham County Borough Council would like to acknowledge the support of the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Headley Trust, the Friends of Wrexham Museums and PAS Cymru in enabling the museum to keep the pig here in north-east Wales. The Rossett lead pig is highly significant in the puzzle of the early history of our area and as the local councillor for Rossett it is great to see it on display where it can provoke and help answer questions about life here nearly 2,000 years ago.”
The Rossett lead pig is on show in Gallery 1 at Wrexham Museum. Admission is free. Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 11am to 4pm.
For more information, call 01978 297460.
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