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This ceramic stud is one of only four similar studs which have been found in England. It was discovered in an ancient Bronze Age burial site together with the cremated bones of a young adult woman. It is thought to have been used as a cloak fastener. These studs vary in shape and material example samples found in Denmark which are made of shale, jet, amber and bone.

During 1960-65 members of Bury Archaeological Group excavated an important Bronze Age Cairn-circle at Whitelow Hill, Ramsbottom near Bury. The excavation revealed a developed and somewhat complicated structure containing more than a dozen cremation burials, many accompanied by artefacts and pottery of a relatively early date. One object in particular - the ceramic stud, deserves special mention as it is a unique discovery for Lancashire, and only rarely encountered elsewhere.