Talk the Torc
Lee Bates
- Organisation:
- Community Together CIC
- Regions:
- England, Staffordshire
- Notice Period:
- Regular (more than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Topic
- Fee:
- Free: A donation to The Helping Hand Charity
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 10th August 2026
- Tagged:
- Glascote Torc | History | Iron-Age | Tamworth
Talk the Torc – The Remarkable Story of the Glascote Torc
From a wartime boatyard in Tamworth to a museum treasure – discover the remarkable story of a 2,000-year-old Iron Age torc and its journey home.
In around 1943, during the height of the Second World War, two men working at a boat-building yard beside the Coventry Canal between Glascote and Amington made an extraordinary discovery.
While digging a trench, Sidney Bates and George Croshaw unearthed an ancient metal collar. At the time, they had no idea of its significance – Sidney initially thought it might be the handle from a coffin!
What they had actually discovered was the Glascote Torc, an extraordinary piece of Iron Age craftsmanship dating back around 2,000 years.
Talk the Torc
In this illustrated talk, Lee Bates BEM, DL, grandson of finder Sidney Bates, takes audiences on the fascinating journey of the Glascote Torc – from its accidental discovery in wartime Tamworth and years spent in the Bates family home, through its eventual identification and archaeological investigation, to its acquisition by Birmingham Museum and its long-awaited return home to Tamworth.
The talk explores the torc itself: How was it made? What metals were used? Why is finding such a complete example so significant? Who might have worn something like this? What can it tell us about Iron Age society in and around what we now call Tamworth?
But Talk the Torc is also a very human story.
Lee shares the memories and family story surrounding his grandfather's remarkable discovery, including how something initially thought to be an old piece of metal was eventually recognised as an important archaeological find.
More than eight decades after it emerged from the Staffordshire soil, the Glascote Torc finally returned to its hometown in 2025 and is now proudly displayed at Tamworth Castle.
Combining archaeology, local history, family memories and a little mystery, Talk the Torc brings one remarkable object – and the people connected to it – to life.
One torc. 2,000 years of history. An 82-year journey home.
Views: 4 | Enquiries: 0About Lee Bates
Lee Bates BEM, DL
Lee Bates BEM, DL is a community leader, social entrepreneur and experienced public speaker with more than two decades of involvement in public and voluntary service.
A former Mayor of Tamworth and local councillor, Lee is the founder of Community Together CIC, established in 2011 to tackle isolation, improve wellbeing and connect people with the support they need. His work has spanned community development, social prescribing, mental health and wellbeing, tackling loneliness, employability, inclusion and bringing communities together.
In recognition of his contribution to the community, Lee was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) and in 2023 was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire.
Lee is passionate about the power of community, kindness and human connection. Drawing on his experiences of civic leadership, building community organisations and working alongside people from all walks of life, he speaks openly and engagingly about leadership, resilience, inclusion, volunteering and how ordinary people can create extraordinary change in their communities.
At the heart of Lee's message is a simple belief: stronger communities are created when people feel seen, valued, connected and able to belong.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Lee Bates
Send a message to the speaker
If you are interested in this talk and wish to contact the speaker, please complete the following form: