In January 2019, a group of friends found something amazing in southwest England. They were walking through a field with metal detectors when they discovered something very old and valuable—silver coins from nearly 1,000 years ago! This find turned out to be the biggest treasure ever discovered in the United Kingdom, worth millions of pounds.
Let’s dive into the details of this fascinating discovery and what it tells us about England’s history.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Discovery | January 2019 |
| Location | Chew Valley, southwest England |
| Discoverers | A group of seven friends using metal detectors |
| Total Number of Coins | 2,584 silver coins |
| Estimated Age of Coins | Nearly 1,000 years old (11th century) |
| Historical Period | Time of the Norman Conquest (1066-1068) |
| Key Rulers Represented | William I (The Conqueror), Harold II, Edward the Confessor |
| Total Value of the Hoard | £4.3 million (NZ$9.3 million) |
| Legal Framework | Treasure Act of 1996 |
| Recipient of Proceeds | 50% to the treasure hunters, 50% to the landowner |
| Museum Display | British Museum, then other museums across the UK |
| Purchaser of the Hoard | South West Heritage Trust |
| Funding Sources | National Lottery Heritage Fund, Art Fund, Friends of The Museum of Somerset, and others |
| Significance of the Coins | Represents a pivotal moment in English history during the transition from Saxon to Norman rule |
| Purpose of Burial | Likely buried for safekeeping during rebellions against the Norman king |
| Weight of the Hoard | 3.4 kg |
| Future Display Location | Museum of Somerset after touring the UK |
| Number of Treasure Finds in 2022 | 1,378 treasure finds reported in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland |
| Main Fund Contributors | National Lottery Heritage Fund, Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society |
The Discovery of the Treasure
It was a cold, rainy day in the Chew Valley in January 2019. Seven friends, out for an adventure with metal detectors, stumbled upon their first silver coin. Excited, they continued searching and found more coins. By the end of the day, they had uncovered 2,584 silver coins from the 11th century! These coins were from a time when England was transitioning from Saxon to Norman rule, a bloody period of history.
The Value of the Treasure
These silver coins are now recognized as the most valuable treasure ever found in the UK. The entire collection is worth an incredible £4.3 million (NZ$9.3 million). The money from the sale of these coins is being shared between the group that found them and the owner of the land where they were discovered.
The coins will soon be displayed at the British Museum in London, where people can see them in person.
How Treasure Hunters Are Rewarded
In 1996, a law was passed in the UK allowing treasure hunters to keep part of the reward when valuable historical items are sold. This law, called the Treasure Act of 1996, encourages people to report their finds instead of keeping them secret. The Chew Valley hoard is one of the most important discoveries since this law was passed.
The Historical Importance of the Coins
These coins are not just valuable—they tell an important story about English history. The hoard includes coins from three different rulers:
- William I (also known as William the Conqueror), the first Norman king of England.
- Harold II, the last crowned Saxon king of England.
- Edward the Confessor, the last king of the House of Wessex, who was later made a saint.
The coins were likely buried during the rebellions against the new Norman king, between 1066 and 1068, after William of Normandy invaded England and defeated Harold II at the Battle of Hastings.
The Importance of the Treasure Find
This treasure gives us a glimpse into a time when England was undergoing huge changes. The Norman Conquest affected everything, from the country’s laws to its architecture, and even the English language. Finding coins from this time period helps historians understand what was happening in the years following this important event.
The Future of the Coins
After being displayed at the British Museum, the coins will travel to other museums across the UK, allowing more people to see this incredible find. The South West Heritage Trust, which acquired the coins, is excited to make sure future generations can enjoy and learn from this treasure.
The Rise of Treasure Hunting
Treasure hunting has become more popular in the UK in recent years. Thanks to modern metal detectors and a growing interest in history, more people are discovering valuable items. In 2022, there were 1,378 treasure finds reported across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—the highest number ever recorded.
How the Treasure Was Bought
The South West Heritage Trust was able to buy the coins using money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This fund, which gets its money from people buying National Lottery tickets, helps to preserve important parts of history.
Conclusion
The discovery of the Chew Valley hoard is not just a story about finding treasure—it’s a story about England’s past. These coins help us learn more about a key moment in history when the country was undergoing great changes. Thanks to the hard work of the treasure hunters and the support of museums, this important find will be preserved and enjoyed for generations to come.
FAQs
1. What is the Chew Valley hoard?
The Chew Valley hoard is a collection of 2,584 silver coins from the 11th century found by a group of amateur treasure hunters in January 2019. These coins are worth £4.3 million and represent one of the most valuable treasure finds in UK history.
2. Who found the Chew Valley hoard?
Seven friends using metal detectors discovered the Chew Valley hoard in southwest England in 2019. They had been hunting for treasure when they stumbled upon the valuable coins.
3. Why are the coins so important?
The coins provide insight into a key period in English history, specifically the transition from Saxon to Norman rule after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. They feature three different rulers, including William the Conqueror.
4. What happens to the coins now?
The coins will be displayed at the British Museum before traveling to other museums across the UK. Eventually, they will be housed at the Museum of Somerset.
5. How was the treasure purchased?
The South West Heritage Trust bought the coins using funds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with other contributors. These funds help preserve historical finds like this for the public.