A hoard to change history
A remarkable hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure has been discovered in Staffordshire. The collection of over 1,500 items is set to transform our understanding of the Dark Ages and spark decades of debate between archaeologists, historians and enthusiasts.
Discovered by a metal detectorist on private farmland in July, the find is believed to date to the seventh century and could be worth millions of pounds. Many of the items are gold and display high levels of quality craftsmanship, indicating there may be a possible royal connection.
Leslie Webster, former keeper of Prehistory and Europe at the British Museum, believes the discovery will, “alter our perceptions of Anglo-Saxon England…we will rethink the chronology of metalwork and it will make us think again about rising (and failing) kingdoms, the conduct of battle and the nature of fine metalwork to name but a few of the many issues it raises.”
Among the 5kg of gold and 1.3kg of silver there is an unprecedented collection of over 84 pommel caps and 71 sword hilt collars. These highly decorative sword adornments are extremely rare and are thought to be trophies taken from defeated enemies, perhaps from a single battle or a successful military career.
What is also notable about the find is that it is so unbalanced: “There is absolutely nothing feminine,” says Dr Kevin Leahy, a National Finds Adviser. “There are no dress fittings, brooches or pendants. These are the gold objects most commonly found from the Anglo-Saxon era, but the vast majority of items in the hoard are martial – war gear.”
The treasure is hoped to be acquired jointly by Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, in an effort backed by Staffordshire County Council to keep it in the local area. SCC leader Philip Atkins is determined to secure, “the interest of the people of Staffordshire. This is our heritage and we need to do it justice.”
The treasure is now being valued by a committee of independent experts. In the event that these museums cannot raise the necessary funds, the British Museum will seek to act as an acquirer to ensure it becomes part of a public collection.
For more details go to www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk