PLANS to bring a historic treasure back to the region have been shelved.

Campaigners calling for the return of the Mold Gold Cape have put their plans on hold due to the current economic climate.

Mold Civic Society hoped to transform the town’s old courthouse building into a museum where the cape could go on permanent display.

But despite carrying out a feasibility study on the building the cape is not likely to return to Mold in the near future.

Diane Johnson, chairman of Mold Civic Society, said: “Because of the financial situation it is just a pipe dream at the moment.

“Nothing is likely to happen in the near future.”

The fragile 3,400-year-old cape, which dates back to the Bronze Age, was found by workmen digging for stone at Bryn yr Ellyllon in 1833.

It broke up during recovery and the pieces were dispersed among various people.
Although the British Museum acquired the greater proportion in 1836, small fragments have come to light over the years and have been reunited.

The cape is the largest prehistoric gold object unearthed in the British Isles and featured in the recent BBC Radio 4 series, The History of the World in 100 Objects.

It would have been unsuitable for everyday wear because it would have severely restricted upper arm movement. Instead it would have served ceremonial roles.
It is currently on display at the British Museum in London.

The cape last came to Wales in 2005 when it was shown at the County Borough Museum in Wrexham.

However, Mold Civic Society says it will never give up hope of eventually seeing it returned.

Miss Johnson said: “When it came up to Wrexham a lot of people visited it and were very impressed with it.

“It would be so nice to have it as a focal point in Mold because it’s one of the treasures of Britain.

“One day it might happen, but it’s had to go on the back burner at the moment.”