Archaeology
The main focus of the archaeological collections is locally excavated objects from the City of Plymouth, West Devon and the South Hams. Items include prehistoric artefacts from Dartmoor, important Bronze Age and Iron Age material from Mount Batten and medieval and post-medieval finds from Plymouth.
Additionally, we hold material from Cornwall and elsewhere in Britain alongside smaller collections of Egyptology and other Mediterranean cultures.
Portable Antiquities Scheme
If you find a gold or silver object, or groups of coins from the same findspot which are over 300 years old, or groups of prehistoric base metal objects, it is your legal obligation to report such items under the Treasure Act 1996. More information is available on the Portable Antiquities Scheme website.
What do we hold?
Archaeological Archives

We hold material produced by an archaeological excavation, that can be vital primary evidence for researchers.
Archaeology Fabulous Finds

When people think about archaeology they often recall amazing finds of treasure. See some of our amazing artefacts!
Key sites
Use the map below to see ten key sites around the City of Plymouth, or open the map in a new window (recommended on a phone).