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09.03.2021

Crosby Garrett Helmet

The Crosby Garrett Helmet is a remarkable Roman cavalry helmet made of copper alloy, dating from the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD. It was discovered by an unnamed metal detectorist near Crosby Garrett in Cumbria, England, in May 2010. Subsequent research revealed that the area where the helmet was found was once home to a Romano-British farming settlement, located a few miles away from a Roman road and fort. This suggests that the helmet's owner may have been a local individual who served in the Roman cavalry.

The helmet was found deliberately folded and placed within an artificial stone structure. Its design and condition indicate that it was likely used for ceremonial purposes rather than combat. By the time it was buried, it may have already been considered an antique. The helmet is of the same type as the Newstead Helmet (discovered in 1905) and shares design similarities with the Ribchester Helmet (discovered in 1796) and the Hallaton Helmet (discovered in 2000). However, its facial features are more akin to helmets found in southern Europe. Some experts believe that its design may reference the Trojans, with whom the Romans associated in cavalry tournaments and other reenactments.

Ralph Jackson, senior curator of Roman-British collections at the British Museum, described the helmet as an "extremely interesting and extremely important find," highlighting its finely crafted and striking face mask. He also noted the helmet's exceptional and unparalleled characteristics, making it a discovery of great national and international significance.

On October 7, 2010, the Crosby Garrett Helmet was sold at Christie's auction house for £2.3 million ($3.6 million) to an undisclosed private buyer. Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle had attempted to purchase the helmet with support from the British Museum, but their offer was outbid. The helmet has been publicly displayed on four occasions: first at an exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in 2012, then at Tullie House in 2013-2014, followed by a display at the British Museum in 2014. It returned to Tullie House for the Hadrian's Cavalry exhibition in the summer of 2017.

Crosby Garrett Helmet

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