A ‘remarkable’ number of 1,066 coins will be returned to Somerset

A “remarkable” hoard of coins from around 1066 is to find a permanent home in Somerset, where they were found.

A hoard of 2,584 silver pennies was found by metal detectors in the Chew Valley in 2019 and is the most valuable find ever – estimated to be worth £4.3 million.

The coins from the hoard will be on display at the British Museum from November 26 and will travel to museums across the UK, including Bath, before finding a permanent home at the Somerset Museum, Taunton.

The coins date from 1066 to 1068 and are believed to have been buried for safe keeping during the chaos of the Norman Conquest. About half shows the face of Harold Godwinson, and the other half shows the face of William the Conqueror.

The hoard contains twice as many coins of Harold Godwinson – the last Saxon king of England – than have ever been found. Three of the coins are “mules”, coins with a different king on each side, one of which features Edward the Confessor.

Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “This remarkable treasure gives us a unique insight into our country’s rich history and one of the most important moments in our history when these islands were thrown into chaos by the Norman Conquest. The Treasures Act 1996 ensures that these coins, dating back to 1066, will be displayed in museums across the UK before they are placed in Somerset, giving people from across the region the opportunity to see this extraordinary treasure, learn more about our past and protect this part of our legacy for future generations.”

Seven people discovered the treasure while metal detecting in the Chew Valley area of ​​Bath and north east Somerset on January 26, 2019.

The acquisition and associated engagement project were made possible by a £4.4 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £150,000 from the Arts Fund, as well as “smaller but vital grants” from the Friends of Somerset Museum and the Archeology Society and Natural History of Somerset. . The collections under the care of the South West Heritage Trust are permanently owned by Somerset Council.

Somerset Council leader Bill Revans said: “We are delighted to be bringing the treasures of Chew Valley to the people of Somerset. The county has a rich heritage and this acquisition will help bring history to life; residents and visitors will be able to interact with the treasure through educational events and workshops.

“As a former history teacher, I am excited about the educational benefits that viewing the treasure at Somerset Museum will bring to generations of schoolchildren. We look forward to seeing how this wonderful collection of coins will inspire programming and engagement in a variety of public spaces, as well as on permanent display at the Somerset Museum in Taunton.”

Harold Godwinson was crowned king in 1066, but is known to have been killed later that year at the Battle of Hastings, where William the Conqueror invaded and began Norman rule of England. William’s grandson Henry du Blois founded the Norman stone castle of Taunton, which today houses the Somerset Museum.