Five years after its discovery, the largest treasure hoard ever found in England, known as the Chew Valley Hoard, has been purchased by the South West Heritage Trust for £4.3 million ($5.6 million). The hoard, consisting of 2,584 silver coins from the time of the Norman Conquest, provides a unique insight into Anglo-Saxon and Norman history.
The acquisition was made possible through significant grants, including £4.42 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £150,000 from the Art Fund, along with smaller grants from local organizations such as the Friends of The Museum of Somerset and the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, expressed delight in supporting the acquisition and plans for a permanent display of the hoard at the Museum of Somerset. She stated: "Thanks to funding from National Lottery players this incredible hoard will be valued, cared for, and sustained, for everyone, now and in the future."
The Mirror, The Guardian, and BBC reported on the sale.
The coins will be exhibited at the British Museum in London starting November 26, 2023, before touring several venues across the UK. After the traveling exhibition, the treasure will find its permanent home at the Museum of Somerset in 2026. Sam Astill, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust, stated: "The treasure symbolizes a crucial moment in English history and we are delighted to have made this acquisition so that it can be enjoyed by future generations."
The Chew Valley Hoard was discovered on January 26, 2019, by a group of seven metal detectorists, including Adam Staples and Lisa Grace, while metal detecting in an uncultivated field in the Chew Valley area of Somerset. The group stumbled upon the first coins after their metal detectors began emitting strong beeping signals, indicating more treasure remained undiscovered. By the end of the day, they had found more than 2,400 Norman coins and decided to celebrate their extraordinary find with pints at a local pub.
Adam Staples, who runs an auction house specializing in ancient coins, described the experience as "incredible, unbelievable" and likened it to "winning the lottery." He stated: "It has definitely changed my life. It was like holding history in your hand. And, obviously, the financial side of it is brilliant as well."
The treasure, now belonging to the British government, consists of 2,584 silver coins from the time of the Norman Conquest, making it the most valuable treasure ever found in England. Experts believe the coins were buried to protect them during the turmoil of the Norman Conquest, likely between 1067 and 1068. The hoard likely represents wealth hidden during the political upheaval following the Battle of Hastings.
The treasure includes rare 11th-century coins depicting King Harold II and William the Conqueror. Almost half of the coins in the hoard represent Harold II, the last crowned Saxon king of England, many in mint condition, while the other half feature the face of William the Conqueror. Among the coins is a unique piece, a 'mule' coin bearing the image of Edward the Confessor (1042-1066). Coins from Edward the Confessor's era are rare in such collections.
The discovery significantly increases the number of known coins from Harold II and William I. Gareth Williams, a curator at the British Museum, said the original owner of the hoard was likely affluent and possibly involved in the conflicts during the Norman invasion. He stated that whoever buried the trove was "involved in some way in the Battle of Hastings."
Experts believe the coins provide valuable insights into the economic conditions during the tumultuous period following the Norman conquest of England, particularly after the Battle of Hastings. The iconography and inscriptions on the coins capture the tension and change that the island underwent during that crucial moment. Amal Khreisheh, the South West Heritage Trust curator of archaeology, said: "It comes from a turning point in English history and encapsulates the change from Saxon to Norman rule."
After being declared treasure under the Treasure Act 1996, the finders and the landowner were entitled to share the proceeds from the sale of the hoard to the South West Heritage Trust. The seven finders will split their portion of the £4.3 million sale equally, while the landowner is entitled to 50 percent of the sale proceeds. Adam Staples stated: "We all agreed to share it and we're happy with the arrangement." With the money, he has been able to buy a house and live mortgage-free.
Under the Treasure Act 1996, finders of potential treasure in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are legally obliged to notify their local coroner, and an inquest determines whether the finds constitute treasure. Michael Lewis, head of portable antiquities and treasure at the British Museum, explained: "This incredible acquisition again underlines the importance of the Portable Antiquities Scheme in preserving our nation’s heritage."
The discovery of the Chew Valley Hoard highlights the importance of archaeological finds made by amateurs and was reported through the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme, a program designed to document significant finds made by the public. The coins will be preserved as a fundamental piece of English heritage at the Museum of Somerset, where they will inspire programming and participation in community spaces.
Councillor Bill Revans stated: "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."
The Chew Valley Hoard provides a rare glimpse into one of the most turbulent periods in English history, reflecting the turmoil during the rebellions against William I's rule. Experts believe the coins were buried for safekeeping amid the unrest at the time. The treasure represents a crucial turning point in English history, highlighting the power struggles that marked the history of England.
Despite hitting the jackpot, Adam Staples continues to hunt for treasure. He stated: "I was out yesterday. I actually found a little Viking bronze belt mount from about 1100 AD. I'm still just as keen." This significant find not only offers financial rewards to its discoverers but also provides an invaluable contribution to the understanding of England's history during the Norman Conquest.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq