Image: SWHT curator of archaeology Amal Khreisheh (c) SWHT
More than 2,000 coins from the Norman Conquest are to go on display at museums around the UK before staying at the Museum of Somerset
A hoard of coins from the Norman Conquest valued at more than £4m has been acquired by a heritage charity, marking the highest value treasure to be acquired on record.
The hoard of 2,584 silver pennies dating from the turmoil of the Norman Conquest of England are to be acquired by The South West Heritage Trust, and put on display at the British Museum.
The Trust runs the Museum of Somerset and Somerset Rural Life Museum, and facilities in Taunton, Exeter and Barnstaple.
Capital for the acquisition has been raised via a £4.4m grant from National Lottery and £150,000 from
Art Fund, and smaller 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 before being displayed at museums across the UK, including in Bath, before finding a permanent home at the Museum of Somerset.
The more than 2,500 silver pennies date back to c. 1066-68, and were likely buried for safekeeping in the turmoil of the Conquest.
The hoard was discovered in 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.
Sam Astill, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust said the hoard “symbolises a pivotal moment in English history” and its acquisition “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.”
Heritage Minister, Sir Chris Bryant added: “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.
“The Treasure Act 1996 ensures that these coins, dating back to 1066, will be displayed in Museums across the UK before residing in Somerset, giving 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.”
