During the Bronze Age metal objects, either singly or in groups, were deliberately deposited across the British landscape. Although archaeologists do not know for certain why these hoards were created, their contents can tell us something about the people who deposited them.

In Hampshire at least 19 Middle Bronze Age (1500-1150 BC) hoards have been found, containing ornaments and, occasionally, weapons. Most of the weapons are palstave axe-heads (also used as tools), some of which have a particularly narrow blade. This blade shape is also seen on palstaves found in northern France. Finding them in Hampshire suggests that communities on the south coast had regular cross-Channel trade with those in northern France.

Late Bronze Age (1150-800 BC) hoards do not contain ornaments. Of the 16 found in Hampshire, they are predominantly made up of axes and other weaponry. Many have been found on the chalk uplands, suggesting that the practice had spread inland. This change in the composition of the hoards and their location appears to be connected to broader changes occurring in Late Bronze Age society. In certain areas during this period, defended sites developed and boundaries were built on agricultural land. Perhaps pressure on available land led to a desire to control it and those who produced the weapons used to assert control would have held the power.