A Roman hoard of silver vessels was discovered at Capheaton in 1747 and are sometimes known as the Capheaton treasure. Some were melted down soon after they were found, but others have survived and were given to the British Museum. The finds include plain patera and ornate silver skillets decorated with figures of classical gods and mythological subjects, for example Juno, Mercury, Bacchus and Ariadne. The treasure dates to about 200AD. It has been suggested that the hoard may point to the presence of a Roman temple at Capheaton, but equally they may be plundered goods buried some distance from their source.