[1] Weighing in at 2.020 kg (4.45 lb), the hoard was described by the British Museum as "one of the biggest concentrations of Bronze Age gold known from Great Britain" and "important for providing a social and economic picture for the period".

[3][a] Several other antiquities, including Romano-British hoards, have been found within a 10–12 miles (16–19 km) radius of the centre of Milton Keynes.

On 7 July 2000, Michael Rutland and Gordon Heritage were metal detecting in a field in what is now Monkston Park in Milton Keynes, at the invitation of local archaeologists who were closing a nearby dig, when they discovered the hoard.

They immediately informed the archaeologists (Brian Giggins and Paul and Charmian Woodfield) – an action which was later cited as imperative in preserving the historical context of the find.

[3] The metal detectorists who found the hoard were rewarded with 60% of the value after the authorities decided that the landowners' claim that the finders had searched without permission was unfounded.

[3] The total weight is 2.020 kg (4.45 lb),[1] and the British Museum described it as "one of the biggest concentrations of Bronze Age gold known from Britain and seems to flaunt wealth.

Furthermore, the British Museum stated, "The find provides an invaluable link between gold types and the broader social and economic picture for Bronze Age Britain.

The history of Milton Keynes shows that settlement can be traced back to 2000 BCE; therefore, it is perhaps unsurprising that many other hoards have been found within a 10–12 miles (16–19 km) radius of its modern centre.

The amount found, depending on reports, varies between 450[13] to 800[14] and 2,000,[13] but the lack of precision in quantifying the hoard was because "[t]he discovery attracted many persons to the spot, some of whom contrived to get possession of nearly 100 specimens... About 320 reached the hands of [landowner] Mr Lowndes".

[16] The 2006 staters were discovered by Andrew and Edward Clarkson, and Gordon Heritage – coincidentally one of the discoverers of the Monkston Bronze Age gold hoard.

Also found was a complete 2nd century Samian bowl and other pieces of pottery, including many broken sherds, and even human and horse bones.

In 1879, at New Bradwell, a Bronze Age hoard of weapons was found in a "deep cist filled with black earth" where nowadays stands the County Arms Hotel.

In July 1962, a Romano-British hoard of coins was found in Little Brickhill (just south of Milton Keynes), in very close proximity to Watling Street.

The wider implications of the excavation were that it was discovered that occupation of the area had passed through five phases from the 1st to 4th century of the Romano-British empire.