The detection of residual stresses in ancient metals can allow researchers to understand method of manufacture, and non-destructive neutron diffraction offers access to museum collections that cannot be analysed by invasive methods. However, stresses can relax due to corrosion and conservation treatments. In the current study, the effects of corrosion and conservation on the detection of residual stresses will be determined, potentially increasing access to museum collections of metal artefacts. 6 prepared samples of Cu and Cu-10%Sn will be left in their stressed state or systematically subjected to testing and stress relaxation prior to arrival at ISIS. Measurements will be taken on the prepared samples to determine the degree of stress relaxation caused by the treatments. Also 3 Anglo-Saxon artefacts of similar size and composition as the test samples will be analysed for comparison.