John C. Mann

TL;DR: A Revised Chronology of the Published Diplomas with further notes on the chronologyCritical SignsDiplomasAppendix I: The Treatment and Display of Diplomas Helen GaniarisAppendix II: The 'Palmyrene' Diplomas J.C. MannAppendix III: A Note on III Daciae J. C. MannIndices:1. Witnesses2. Names3a. Governors4. Recipients and their families5. Commanders6. Units7. Peoples and PlacesForthcoming diplomas

Abstract: This small hoard adds another location to the distribution of late Roman silver spoons in Britain. Apart from the Hacksilber (broken silver bullion) in the Traprain Law treasure from south-east Scotland, which includes a number of spoons, there are few examples from the northern regions of Britannia: the silver hoard found in 1810 at Whorlton (Guisborough, Cleveland) contains a fragmentary spoon-bowl of a late type, and another damaged spoon, now lost, is recorded from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear; but as representatives of the type these do not compare with the Spennymoor spoons, which were buried as complete objects, probably intended for recovery and continued use, rather than as scrap precious metal. The other important hoard of fourth-century silver tableware from the North-East is, of course, that found at Corbridge at various dates during the eighteenth century, of which only a magnificent decorated rectangular tray, the Corbridge Lanx, now survives. The Corbridge treasure indicates that tableware of the greatest luxury was in use throughout the province in the fourth century, and such a set would originally have included spoons. The two spoons from Spennymoor therefore fit into, and augment, an established picture. It is satisfying to record that they have been acquired for a public collection in the area where they were found.