CUMBRIA COUNTY COUNCIL PLEDGES CASH TO HELP BUY ROMAN HELMET

By Thom Kennedy

Last updated at 12:51, Wednesday, 06 October 2010

Cumbria County Council has pledged £5,000 to help keep a historic Roman artefact in Cumbria.

Tullie House's Rebecca Warren with the helmet appeal

Related: Crosby Garrett Roman helmet 'worth millions to Cumbria' - claim

Tullie House Museum is hoping to raise £80,000 in donations to buy the Roman cavalry parade helmet found by a metal detectorist at Crosby Garrett earlier this year.

And now the council’s Carlisle local committee has agreed to put £5,000 to add to the appeal, which has already benefited from a £50,000 donation from a private benefactor.

Cllr John Mallinson, chair of the Carlisle Local Committee, said: “The importance of this helmet cannot be over estimated both in its historical significance and the potential financial benefits it would bring to the area in terms of increased tourism.

“We are very happy to support the campaign to ensure this extraordinary piece of history remains in Cumbria.”

The helmet, which is valued between £300,000 and £400,000, will be auctioned by Christie’s in London tomorrow, with an anonymous bidder taking part on behalf of Tullie House. A live audience will be watching on an internet feed in the Carlisle museum in anticipation of a major coup for the city.

Among the audience will be Carlisle MP John Stevenson, who said: “I’m really hoping Tullie House are able to secure the helmet for the people of Cumbria. I think the helmet belongs here and Tullie House have run a great campaign in trying to raise the funds to keep it so.

“Culturally, the helmet is significant as it is a link to our Roman past, but it will also bring visitors to the area and make a fantastic centrepiece to Tullie House’s Roman exhibition.

“Local support for the campaign has been fantastic, and I wish Tullie House every success on the day.”

The auction has generated huge interest from private collectors because the Roman cavalry parade helmet, found by a metal detector enthusiast in a field near Crosby Garrett, is one of just three found in the UK and is the finest example of its type.

The British Museum in London describes it as “unparalleled” and says it is vital that Tullie House secures it.

Early indications suggest the helmet would attract thousands of new visitors to Carlisle and Cumbria to boost the tourism economy. and would represent a significant acquisition to the Roman archaeology collection at Tullie House.

It would form a focal point for a new £1.5 million Roman Frontier Gallery opening in Tullie House next year.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Tullie-House-Crosby-Garrett-Roman-Helmet-Appeal.

First published at 11:34, Wednesday, 06 October 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk