Millom metal detectorist Josh Carr finds sixth axe head

When Josh Carr reported his three metal axe head finds in January experts told him to go out and find more - so he is doing just that.

Josh has just found his sixth, equalling the number of metal axe heads found in one hoard in Cumbria - the last time being in 1902 when a workman was quarrying limestone in a field near Skelmore Heads, Urswick.

Josh is a keen metal detectorist who is interested not only in the history of the objects he finds but is proud to come from Millom and wants to 'put Millom on the historical map'.    

He has found many artefacts in the Millom area ranging from an Iron Age terret ring to a silver Marcus Aurelius denarii, two Roman trumpet brooches, and many other coins from Henry II up to Queen Victoria, including several of Queen Elizabeth I. 

All of his finds show that the Millom area was inhabited from Prehistoric times up until the modern era. 

READ MORE: 'Mind-blowing' treasure discovery could indicate lost prehistoric settlement

Chair of the Millom and District Local History Society Jan Bridget aims to secure funding for archaeologists to further excavate the area, which contains 'interesting earthworks', to further prove the existence of an ancient hill fort.

Ms Bridget said: "This is really significant for the Millom area as not only has there not been any similar axes found in the Millom peninsula before but they are a rare find in Cumbria.

"There were only a few thousand people living in Britain at this time in history - and some of them chose to live in our area!

"The amazing footprints local historian Duane Farren has been showing folk down on the Duddon foreshore brings to life a picture of ancient families living and hunting here.

"It could be the footprints belonged to the people whose bones have been found in the cave at Great Urswick on the Furness peninsula, as this appears to be the nearest cave to Millom and who maybe later settled in the Millom area"