Braintree District Museum holds archaeological material from sites throughout the District. The strengths of the collection includes extensive excavations of Roman Braintree in the 1980s, as well as medieval material from nearby Cressing Temple Barns. Archaeological objects are also acquired via the Treasure Act 1996 and individual donations. Archaeological material from the District is also recorded on the Portable Antiquities database that is administered by the Essex Finds Liaison Officer.

Every year many thousands of new archaeological objects are discovered in the UK, either by metal-detectors or by accidental means. The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a voluntary project which records these finds and gives information about the Treasure Act. Their website is an excellent all-round resource and includes a Search feature: great for browsing local finds!

To view a selection of archaeological objects in the Museum's collections, click the thumbnails below: