What is a torc?

A torc is a piece of jewellery, or an adornment, worn by British or Celtic peoples. It came in many sizes and was made in different metals, and was decorated to varying degrees of complexity. The torc was a significant statement of social status within the tribe or group of people with whom the wearer lived. Iron age peoples also believed that the torc had mystical powers to ward off evil and protect the wearer. Later, in Roman times, it became less of a mystical item and more of a decoration or fashion item.

Although the shape varied, a common shape was similar to a horseshoe, made out of twisted strands of gold, like a golden rope. The shackle on the Torc ground anchor is quite similar to the shape of a torc. An additional reason for choosing the name is that a famous golden torc was found close to the location of our business in Glascote Heath, Tamworth, and the local secondary school is named Torc High School because it is located close to the site of the find.

Links for further information

Note: These links are given in good faith. Pragmasis Limited is not responsible for the content on the following sites:

Information about Iron Age torcs from the British Museum
More general information about torcs
Official Tamworth local history site
A Tamworth timeline