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The mask is thought to have been worn with an elaborately painted shield, embroidered tunic, thigh-guards and greaves.
The helmet is one of only three of its kind discovered in Britain since records began 250 years ago.
The only other two helmets that have been discovered complete with face-masks are the Ribchester Helmet, found in 1796 and now in the British Museum, and the Newstead Helmet, found some time around 1905 and now at the Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh.
The helmet itself is an extremely refined piece of work. The mask depicts a youthful but stylised face with curls of hair that end in snakes’ heads. The helmet is decorated with scenes of combat. Originally it is highly likely that helmet was gilded and the mask silver-plated. This type of helmet was worn during displays of military horsemanship. Some Roman cavalry sports may have resembled medieval jousting.