Staffordshire Hoard
The Staffordshire Hoard
The largest hoard of Anglo Saxon gold ever found, was discovered this summer by a metal-detectorist in a field in Staffordshire and is set to revolutionise our perceptions of life in the 7th and 8th centuries. With more than 650 items made from gold, and more than 500 in silver this is truly a king’s ransom!
The Discovery
Metal detectorist, Terry Herbert, discovered the find most metal detectorists can only dream of, on arable ground in early July this year. Realising its significance, he immediately contacted Duncan Slarke of the Portable Antiquities Scheme's Finds Liason Officer for Staffordshire and the West Midlands.
The Hoard
Most of the hoard is comprised of sword hilts - a hugely symbolic item in the Anglo Saxon period, representing wealth and, more importantly, status. Taking an enemy's sword hilt would have been a highly prized trophy, and it is the hilt, rather than the blade, that would have been retained and displayed by the triumphant victor.
The Inscriptions
Significant in the hoard is the discovery of two ( maybe three) gold Christian crosses and a ribbon of gold with a Biblical inscription, the only non-martial finds to be unearthed.
Mercia
The discovery of the hoard in Staffordshire is interesting, for Staffordshire was near the heart of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia.
