17th-Century Coin Hoard Discovery Unearths Historical Treasure in Dorset, England

During a kitchen renovation in Dorset, England, Betty and Robert Fooks discovered a trove of 1,000 17th-century coins hidden beneath the concrete floor. The coins, known as the Poorton hoard, consist of gold, silver, and sixpences from the reigns of James I, Charles I, Elizabeth I, Philip, and Mary. The find is expected to fetch approximately £35,000 at an upcoming auction.

Discovery of 17th-Century Coin Hoard Uncovers Historical Treasure

Dorset, England – April 12, 2023

A remarkable discovery in the heart of the English countryside has unearthed a treasure trove from the annals of history. Betty and Robert Fooks, residents of a 17th-century farmhouse in Dorset, stumbled upon a hidden cache of over 1,000 coins dating back to the early 17th century.

The fortuitous find occurred during a renovation project undertaken by the couple to enhance the ceiling height of their ancient abode. As Robert, an agricultural engineer, meticulously removed the concrete floor of the kitchen, he encountered an unexpected sight—a smashed glazed pottery bowl filled with glimmering coins.

Intrigued by their discovery, the Fookses promptly reported their find to the local finds liaison officer, who subsequently arranged for the coins to be transported to the British Museum for expert analysis and identification. The coins, now known as the Poorton hoard, have been meticulously cleaned and examined by museum curators, revealing their historical significance.

The hoard comprises a diverse assemblage of gold coins minted during the reigns of James I and Charles I, silver half crowns, shillings, and sixpences, as well as silver shillings and sixpences from the reign of Elizabeth I and Philip and Mary.

"It's a 400-year-old house, so there was a lot of work to do," recounted Betty Fooks, an NHS health visitor. "We removed all the floors and ceilings, taking it back to its stone walls. We decided to lower the ground floor to give us more ceiling height."

"One evening, I was with the children when my husband called to say they'd found something," she recalled. "He put all the coins in a bucket. If we hadn't lowered the floor, they would still be hidden there. I presume the person intended to retrieve them but never got the chance."

According to Julian Smith, a specialist at Duke's auctioneers in Dorchester, the coins are believed to have been deposited on a single occasion, possibly by a wealthy individual who intended to retrieve them later.

"The cottage is situated in a small hamlet in west Dorset and is a 17th-century long-house," Smith explained. "The modern concrete floor was removed, and the floor was dug down by nearly 2 feet to provide greater height to the downstairs of the property."

"In some areas, there were old flagstones under the concrete, but the area where the coins were found was bare earth," he added. "The coins were brought to the British Museum for identification and cleaning, and their experts believe they were all buried at the same time."

The Poorton hoard will be offered for sale at Duke's auctioneers on April 23, 2023, and is expected to fetch an estimated £35,000. Proceeds from the sale will be used to fund the ongoing renovation of the Fookses' historic home, ensuring that its legacy continues to be cherished by generations to come.

This momentous discovery offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of our ancestors, revealing their hopes, fears, and aspirations. The Poorton hoard serves as a tangible reminder of the rich tapestry of history that unfolds beneath our very feet, waiting to be unearthed and appreciated.