Rare Roman bracelet found in Pagham to go on display in The Novium Museum

A rare Roman gold 'cuff' bracelet found by a 12-year-old boy on a dog walk in Pagham has been acquired by The Novium Museum in Chichester, purchased with support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund.

The find will be displayed at The Novium Museum in Tower Street, Chichester, from Tuesday 10 September 2024.

Rowan Brannan, from Bognor Regis, made the fascinating discovery by chance with his mum, Amanda, while out walking their dog in a field in Pagham two years ago. After taking the bracelet to a local Finds Liaison Officer, the find was confirmed to be Roman, probably dating back to the first century AD.

Interestingly, this type of bracelet — unlike most other jewellery in the Roman period — would probably have belonged to a man rather than woman. They were likely to be a type of military armilla, or 'battle honour', likely awarded for bravery. Described as an exceptional piece for its type, the so-called 'cuff' bracelet is a type that is relatively rare in Roman Britain, particularly as it is made of gold.

The acquisition of the bracelet will enable the museum to improve their narrative of the Roman period in the Chichester/Arun crossover area, as well as ensuring it is accessible for future research.

Cllr Adrian Moss, Leader at Chichester District Council, says: "Acquiring this bracelet for The Novium Museum's collection will offer our visitors additional insights into ancient practices. In particular, it will help shed light on military attitudes, including how Roman soldiers were rewarded for their bravery, gallantry and service, particularly with regards to the Roman invasion of Britain in AD43.

"This piece will widen our museum team's understanding of Roman life locally and allows us to tell a different story from the Roman period. By enhancing the museum's current collection with this important find, we can provide a more comprehensive narrative of Chichester District during Roman times within our permanent displays.

"The story of the find itself is fascinating — it really goes to show that you never know what you might discover by keeping your eyes peeled when out and about!"

Leanne Manfredi, National Programmes Lead, Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Victoria and Albert Museum, says: "The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund supports the purchase of a wide range of material for the permanent collections of non-nationally funded organisations in England and Wales.

"We are delighted that this rare Roman gold 'cuff' bracelet has been acquired by The Novium Museum, Chichester, where it will be enjoyed by audiences for years to come."

The bracelet will go on display in The Novium Museum from Tuesday 10 September 2024. General admission is free, with donations welcome. 

ENDS

Notes to editors

The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund

The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund is a government fund that helps regional museums, record offices and specialist libraries in England and Wales to acquire objects relating to the arts, literature and history. It was established at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in 1881 and continues to be part of its nationwide work.

The annual grants budget, currently £725,000, is provided by Arts Council England National Lottery Funding. Each year, the Purchase Grant Fund considers some 150 applications and awards grants to around 100 organisations, enabling acquisitions of over £3 million to go ahead.

Visit the website: www.vam.ac.uk/purchasegrantfund