The Chew Valley Hoard: A Remarkable Discovery
The Chew Valley Hoard is one of the most significant treasure discoveries in British history.
Photo: South West Heritage Trust
The hoard was discovered near Bath by metal detectorists Lisa Grace and Adam Staples, who were training five friends to use their metal detectors, on 26 January 2019.
This extraordinary coin hoard, comprising 2,584 silver pennies, dates back to the turbulent period following the Norman Conquest, specifically between 1067 and 1068.
Valued at £4.3 million, it now holds the title of the highest value treasure find ever recorded in Britain.
The coins were buried during a time of great unrest and upheaval in England.
The Norman Conquest of 1066 led to significant changes in the social and political landscape of the country.
The hoard includes coins minted during the reigns of Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king, and William the Conqueror, the first Norman king.
These coins represent a poignant snapshot of a nation in transition, capturing a moment when two very different rulers held sway over the English populace.
While the precise circumstances surrounding the burial of the Chew Valley Hoard remain a mystery, it is widely believed that it was hidden for safekeeping.
The act of burying valuable possessions was a common practice during times of conflict, as individuals sought to protect their wealth from looting and pillaging.
The fact that this hoard remained undiscovered for nearly a millennium only adds to its allure.
Around 1067 and 1068, coins were essential to the economy and society of England, especially following the Norman Conquest.
Primarily used as a medium of exchange, coins facilitated trade in local markets and long-distance commerce, replacing the older barter systems.
They also played a crucial role in taxation, enabling the Norman kings, including William the Conqueror, to collect revenues from landowners and merchants.
Coins were also utilised to pay wages for labour and military service, helping to structure the emerging economy.
Moreover, they acted as symbols of authority, featuring the reigning monarch’s image, which reinforced the ruler’s power and legitimacy in the eyes of the populace.
The well-preserved coins from the Chew Valley Hoard will be on display at the British Museum starting 26 November 2024.
This exhibition presents a unique opportunity to view these rare artefacts up close, offering insights into the lives and struggles of those who lived during the 11th century.
They will later be displayed at museums across the UK, including in Bath, before finding a permanent home at The Museum of Somerset.
Sam Astill, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust, said: “The hoard symbolises 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.
”It has been made possible thanks to a wide range of partners working together to ensure our heritage is protected and accessible for everyone.”
Reacting to the news on social media, someone said: “Well done, another bit of important history saved from development and being lost for another thousand years, it’s not about the money it’s the history.”
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