The Chew Valley Hoard: A Norman Conquest Treasure Trove Unearthed by Amateur Metal Detectorists

A remarkable treasure trove of silver coins, dating back to the Norman Conquest, has captured the imaginations of many and secured its place as the highest-value treasure find ever recorded in the United Kingdom.

Five years after its discovery, the Chew Valley Hoard, a remarkable collection of Norman Conquest-era silver pennies, is finally set to go on public display at the British Museum. The hoard, which is valued at £4.3 million and is the highest-value treasure find ever recorded in the United Kingdom, was discovered by seven amateur metal detectorists in January 2019 in the picturesque Chew Valley, just 11 miles south of Bristol.

The hoard contains 2,584 silver pennies, which were minted during the reigns of Edward the Confessor, Harold II, and William I. The coins provide a unique insight into one of the most turbulent periods of English history, when the country was thrown into turmoil by the Norman Conquest.

The coins were likely buried for safekeeping amid the chaotic aftermath of the invasion. According to experts, the majority of the coins originate from just after the Conquest, from 1066 to 1068. This period was not just characterized by conflict; it provided sociopolitical shifts and economic reorganization. Notably, the hoard includes representations of both Harold II, the last Saxon king of England, and William I, indicating their simultaneous presence during this pivotal historical juncture.

The discovery of the Chew Valley Hoard has sparked debates and discussions about the rules and responsibilities of finders under the Treasure Act of 1996. Under this law, any individual who finds what could be classified as treasure must report it to local authorities within 14 days. This ensures proper evaluation and potential acquisition by museums, allowing the cultural artifacts to be preserved and displayed for public enjoyment.

The hoard will be on display at the British Museum from November 26 before traveling to various museums around the UK, including Bath, and eventually finding its home at the Museum of Somerset.