The Chew Valley Hoard Overview

The Chew Valley Hoard

• A significant treasure of 2,584 silver pennies was unearthed in a Somerset field in 2019.
• The hoard dates from 1066 to 1068, minted at 46 different sites in England.
• The coins represent the period following the Norman Conquest, the defeat of King Harold II by William I.
• Approximately half of the coins depict King Harold II, the other half King William I.
• The coins were likely buried for safekeeping due to rebellions against William I and attacks along the River Avon.
• Some coins are cut in half, a common practice for creating smaller units of currency.
• The hoard was bought for £5.5 million in 2024 by the South West Heritage Trust.
• Staples and his friends will share half of the sale price.
• The remaining half will go to the landowner.
• The hoard's value is estimated at the equivalent of 500 sheep or the income of a large estate.
• The Chew Valley Hoard will tour museums in the UK and be permanently housed in the South West Museum of Somerset.
• The tour commenced in November 2024, starting from the British Museum.

Historical Context

• The discovery of the hoard showcased a crucial moment in English history – the Norman Conquest.
• The conquest marked a shift in rulership and resulted in the loss of King Harold II.
• William I became king of England and ruled until 1087.

Discover the fascinating details of the Chew Valley Hoard, a significant treasure of silver pennies from 1066 to 1068 unearthed in Somerset. Learn about its historical context, including its connection to the Norman Conquest and the fate of its coins. Delve into the hoard's value, journey, and its impact on Britain's heritage.