The helmet was discovered during excavations by James Curle during 1905 at the Roman fort of Trimontium, which is located near the triple peak of Eildon Hill at Newstead, after which the fort is named (Trimontium meaning three hills). During excavations between February 1905 and September 1910, Curle discovered a large number of Roman military artefacts at the fort, including items of Roman armour, horse harnesses, saddle plates, and several ornate bronze and iron cavalry helmets for parade use. Only one helmet, found in 1905, is largely complete and preserves the face mask, and is known as the Newstead Helmet. This helmet was discovered in a pit dating to the Flavian period (69-96) in the south annexe of the fort.