A hoard of coins found in North Somerset, England, has been purchased by the South West Heritage Trust for a record fee, making it the highest-value treasure on record in the United Kingdom.
The hoard of silver pennies dates to the very end of the Viking Age when the Normans conquered large parts of the British Isles.
The collection is set to go on display at the British Museum in London in November before later being returned to the South West.
A piece of living history
The hoard was discovered by a group of seven metal detectorists on 26 January 2019 in the Chew Valley area in Somerset.
It contained an incredible 2,584 coins, with nearly half bearing a likeness of Harold Godwinson, the last Saxon king of England, and one featuring Edward the Confessor, whose death triggered a struggle for the English crown in 1066.
However, just over half of the coins (1,343) depict William the Conqueror, the Norman king with Viking heritage who defeated Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings to claim the English throne in the same year.
1066 is also seen as heralding the end of the Viking Age, with Godwinson's earlier victory over Harald Sigurdsson at the Battle of Stamford Bridge putting paid to Scandinavian ambitions in England.
With 2,584 coins, the hoard features depictions of Harold Godwinson and William the Conqueror. Photo: British Museum
"Extraordinary treasure"
The detectorists reported their find to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which is responsible for recording artifacts of interest in England and Wales.
Any finds that are declared a treasure are valued and come under special protection. In most cases, they are then acquired by an organization interested in preserving the artifacts as items of national interest.
Compensation is paid to the people who found them and to the landowner, if applicable.
After a lengthy period of analysis, the Chew Valley collection was valued at GBP 4.3 million and has now been purchased by the South West Heritage Trust.
The acquisition was made possible with a GBP 4.4 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, GBP 150,000 from the Art Fund, and smaller grants from several other local organizations.
In a press release, the UK Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant commented: "This remarkable hoard gives us unique insight into our country's rich history and one of the most important moments in our history when these islands were thrown into turmoil by the Norman Conquest."
He added that the purchase of the coins would give "people from different regions the opportunity to see this extraordinary treasure, learn more about our past, and protect this part of our heritage for future generations."
The Chew Valley hoard, worth GBP 4.3 million, is the highest-value treasure on record in the United Kingdom. Photo: South West Heritage Trust
Tumultuous times
The hoard is thought to have been buried around 1068 when the Normans were establishing their dominance over the island nation, and a series of rebellions were underway in southwest England.
In all likelihood, the treasure was hidden by a wealthy local leader who feared losing their wealth due to the dramatic changes taking place.
Sam Astill, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust, said: "The hoard symbolizes a pivotal moment in English history, and we are delighted to have made this acquisition so that it may be enjoyed by generations to come."
"It highlights the power of museums, collections, and stories to inspire people and communities and has been made possible thanks to a wide range of partners working together to ensure our heritage is protected and accessible for everyone."
The hoard likely belonged to a wealthy noble who hid it amid the chaos and rebellions that followed the Norman Conquest. Photo: British Museum
Preserved for posterity
The hoard will be displayed at the British Museum in London starting in November.
In the meantime, the South West Heritage Trust is expected to apply for a further grant to help set up a permanent display of the hoard at the Museum of Somerset.
Councillor Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, commented: "We are absolutely delighted to bring the Chew Valley hoard to the people of Somerset."
"The county has a rich heritage, and this acquisition will help bring history to life. Residents and visitors will be able to engage with the hoard through learning activities and workshops."
"As a former history teacher, I am excited by the educational benefits that seeing the hoard will bring to generations of schoolchildren. We look forward to welcoming the permanent display at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton."
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