A remarkable treasure from one of the most transformative periods in English history has been secured for the British nation. The Chew Valley Hoard, an unparalleled collection of 2,584 silver coins dating back to the Norman Conquest of England, has been acquired by the South West Heritage Trust.
Thanks to substantial funding from the National Lottery and Art Fund, this historic acquisition, valued at £4.3 million, is the most expensive treasure acquisition on record in the UK. The hoard offers a window into the chaotic years immediately following the Battle of Hastings in 1066, when England underwent its last successful invasion.
This will be divided equally between the finders and the owner of the land where it was found, according to UK Treasure laws.
There were seven in the finding team altogether, and so their share is divided between them all.
One of the finders, Mr Staples, explained he has already spent some of his share.
“I’ve got a few hundred thousand pounds out of it, and I bought a house,” he said, according to the BBC.
The Coins: A Glimpse into the Norman Conquest
The Chew Valley Hoard, buried for safekeeping during the turbulent period of the Norman Conquest, is the largest coin hoard ever discovered from this era. Found in the Chew Valley, near Bath, the hoard contains silver pennies from the reigns of three significant English monarchs: Edward the Confessor, Harold II, and William the Conqueror. This treasure trove, discovered between 1066 and 1068, marks a crucial turning point in English history.
Among the coins is one particularly unique piece, a “mule” coin that features Edward the Confessor (1042-1066), a rare blend of two coin types. Edward’s reign ended shortly before the Norman invasion, and coins from his era are sparse in such collections.
There is one coin (a mule) that features Edward III ‘The Confessor’ (1042-1066). (YouTube Screenshot)
The majority of the hoard, however, represents England’s last Saxon king, Harold II (also known as Harold Godwinson), and William I (William the Conqueror), the first Norman king. Just under half of the coins (1,240) are Harold II’s, more than doubling the previously known total of his coinage, while just over half (1,343) feature William I. This collection increases the known number of early William I coins by nearly five times, giving historians and numismatists an unprecedented resource for understanding the early Norman reign.
The Designs: Royal Symbols and Political Messages
The designs of the coins offer rich insight into how royal power and political messages were communicated in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. On the obverse side of each coin is a portrait of the ruling king, crowned and holding symbols of authority such as a scepter. The accompanying legend names the monarch and often lists their titles, reinforcing their legitimacy.
Harold II’s coins are particularly notable for bearing the word “PAX,” meaning peace. This inscription is believed to be a declaration of the stability Harold aimed to bring to his brief reign, following his victory over Harald Hardrada of Norway at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, only to face William at Hastings weeks later.
Represented on just under half the coins (1,240) is Harold II, also known as Harold Godwinson, (1066), the last crowned Saxon king of England. (© British Museum)
William the Conqueror’s coins, by contrast, feature a cross fleury on the reverse, a symbol often associated with divine authority and protection, emphasizing the religious sanction of his kingship. These coins are of the very first design issued following William’s coronation on Christmas Day in 1066, a significant testament to the early days of his reign.
Cross fleury on the reverse of one of the coins of William I ‘The Conqueror’ (1066-87), the first Norman king. (© British Museum)
The Hoard’s Historical Significance
The hoard not only provides scholars with an invaluable resource for understanding the economic and political changes during the Norman Conquest but also serves as a tangible connection to a defining moment in English history. The turmoil of the years following the Battle of Hastings led many individuals to bury their wealth for safekeeping, with the Chew Valley Hoard likely hidden by someone fearing the uncertainty of the time.
Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:
“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.”, reports the BBC.
Sam Astill, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust, remarked in the Museum of Somerset release:
“The hoard symbolizes 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 and has been made possible thanks to a wide range of partners working together to ensure our heritage is protected and accessible for everyone.”
The Treasure Valuation Committee set the value of the hoard at £4.3 million, underscoring the rarity and importance of the find. Its acquisition ensures that these historic coins remain in the public domain, accessible to scholars and the public alike.