A Norman Conquest Coin hoard has been acquired for the nation by the South West Heritage Trust. The hoard consists of 2,584 silver pennies from the period c. 1066–68, likely buried for safekeeping in the turmoil of the Conquest. The hoard has been valued at £4.3 million making it the highest value treasure find ever.
The acquisition and associated engagement project are made possible thanks to the generous support of a £4,420,527 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £150,000 from Art Fund, alongside smaller but vital grants from the Friends of the Museum of Somerset and the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society.
From 26 November 2024 coins from the hoard will go on display at the British Museum. They will later be displayed at museums across the UK, including in Bath. Before finding a permanent home at the Museum of Somerset.
The hoard is one of the most remarkable finds reported under the Treasure Act 1996, administered by the Treasure Registry at the British Museum on behalf of the Department for Culture Media and Sport. It was discovered on 26 January 2019 by seven finders while metal detecting in the Chew Valley area of Bath and North East Somerset. They reported the find via the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme, which records archaeological finds made by the public and also handles the local reporting of Treasure finds.
To read the full press release from the British Museum click HERE
You can also visit South West Heritage Trust for more information on this amazing find. VISIT SWHT
