[1] It was found in the grave of three children, along with a chalk ball and a bone pin.

The drum was found by archaeologist Alice Beasley, working for Allen Archaeology under director Mark Allen, during a routine investigation made as part of the planning application for a biogas power station to be built on the land, part of the Burton Agnes estate.

We uncovered the skeletons and were clearing around the head when it appeared and we realised we'd found something special.

[3] Allen has said:The detailed relief carving on the drum is quite something to behold and shows great skill by its maker.

Research is ongoing on the drum, the burials and the surrounding excavations, and we look forward to publishing more on this in the future.