Podcast
Questions and Answers
Considering the historical context, what was the most likely primary motivation for burying the Chew Valley Hoard?
Considering the historical context, what was the most likely primary motivation for burying the Chew Valley Hoard?
- To avoid paying taxes levied by William I, demonstrating resistance to the new regime.
- To serve as a votive offering to local deities, ensuring a bountiful harvest for the coming years.
- To conceal the wealth during a period of political instability following the Norman Conquest. (correct)
- To be used as a strategic reserve fund allocated by King Harold II in anticipation of the Norman invasion.
How does the discovery of the Chew Valley Hoard contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the economic state of England post-1066?
How does the discovery of the Chew Valley Hoard contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the economic state of England post-1066?
- It indicates a rapid standardization of currency under William I, facilitating trade across the newly conquered territories.
- It proves that the Norman Conquest boosted the English economy.
- It demonstrates a shift towards a barter system due to the scarcity of precious metals following the Norman Conquest.
- It suggests a continuation of Anglo-Saxon monetary practices, evidenced by the presence of coins from multiple minting locations. (correct)
Given that the Chew Valley Hoard contained coins from 46 different minting locations, what can be inferred about the economic and political structures of 11th-century England?
Given that the Chew Valley Hoard contained coins from 46 different minting locations, what can be inferred about the economic and political structures of 11th-century England?
- Centralized royal control over minting operations ensured uniformity and standardization of currency across the kingdom.
- A highly decentralized system where regional authorities possessed significant autonomy in minting currency. (correct)
- A bi-metallic standard was in place, with silver coins from local mints supplementing a gold-based national currency.
- The economy of England was almost entirely dependent on foreign coin.
Considering the practice of cutting coins in half, what primary economic challenge did this practice likely address in 11th-century England?
Considering the practice of cutting coins in half, what primary economic challenge did this practice likely address in 11th-century England?
If the value of the Chew Valley Hoard is estimated at 500 sheep or the annual income of a large estate, what does this suggest about the relative economic importance of agriculture versus land ownership in 11th-century England?
If the value of the Chew Valley Hoard is estimated at 500 sheep or the annual income of a large estate, what does this suggest about the relative economic importance of agriculture versus land ownership in 11th-century England?
How might the differing depictions of Harold II and William I on the coins within the Chew Valley Hoard be interpreted as a form of political messaging during the late 11th century?
How might the differing depictions of Harold II and William I on the coins within the Chew Valley Hoard be interpreted as a form of political messaging during the late 11th century?
Assuming that the coins in the Chew Valley Hoard were buried in 1068 due to regional unrest, what does this imply about William I’s immediate control over newly conquered territories such as Somerset?
Assuming that the coins in the Chew Valley Hoard were buried in 1068 due to regional unrest, what does this imply about William I’s immediate control over newly conquered territories such as Somerset?
Given that Adam Staples is an auctioneer specializing in ancient coins, how might his expertise have influenced the initial assessment and handling of the Chew Valley Hoard discovery?
Given that Adam Staples is an auctioneer specializing in ancient coins, how might his expertise have influenced the initial assessment and handling of the Chew Valley Hoard discovery?
Considering that the South West Heritage Trust purchased the Chew Valley Hoard for $5.5 million, what does this signify about the perceived cultural and historical importance of such discoveries in modern Britain?
Considering that the South West Heritage Trust purchased the Chew Valley Hoard for $5.5 million, what does this signify about the perceived cultural and historical importance of such discoveries in modern Britain?
The article mentions that the Chew Valley Hoard will tour museums across the UK. What impact will this tour likely have on public understanding and appreciation of early English history?
The article mentions that the Chew Valley Hoard will tour museums across the UK. What impact will this tour likely have on public understanding and appreciation of early English history?
Flashcards
Chew Valley Hoard
Chew Valley Hoard
A collection of 2,584 silver pennies dating back to the 11th century, discovered in Chew Valley, Somerset, England.
1066
1066
The year the Norman Conquest occurred, marking a significant shift in English history with the defeat of King Harold II.
King Harold II
King Harold II
The last Anglo-Saxon king of England, defeated by William the Conqueror in 1066.
William I
William I
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Cut Coins
Cut Coins
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$5.5 Million
$5.5 Million
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Study Notes
Discovery of the Chew Valley Hoard
- In January 2019, metal detectorists, including Adam Staples, discovered a trove of silver coins in Chew Valley, Somerset, England.
- Staples, an auctioneer specializing in ancient coins, recognized the find as significant.
Composition and Value
- The find, known as the Chew Valley Hoard, consists of 2,584 silver pennies dating back to the 11th century.
- The South West Heritage Trust purchased the hoard for $5.5 million on October 23, 2024.
- Staples and his friends will receive half of the money (
$400,000 each), while the landowner receives the other half ($2.8 million).
Historical Significance
- The coins date from 1066 to 1068 and were minted in 46 different locations in England.
- They represent the Norman Conquest of 1066, which led to the death of King Harold II and the rise of William I.
- Approximately half of the coins feature King Harold's image, and the other half feature William I.
- Experts believe they were hidden for safekeeping due to a rebellion against William in Exeter in 1068.
Coin Features and Worth
- Some coins are cut in half, a common practice to create smaller denominations.
- The Chew Valley Hoard was likely worth about 500 sheep or the annual income of a large estate at the time.
Future Exhibition
- The Chew Valley Hoard will tour museums across the UK, starting with the British Museum in London in November 2024.
- The coins will then be permanently housed at the South West Museum of Somerset.
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