A Silver Lining for England: The Chew Valley Hoard Returns to the West Country
The news that a hoard of 2,584 silver coins, worth over £4 million, discovered in the English countryside in 2019, is set to return to the southwest of England in a bid to educate visitors about the tumultuous events that followed the Norman Conquest. The Chew Valley Hoard, which was initially displayed at the British Museum in London, will now be showcased at the Roman Baths Museum in Bath before making its way to a permanent gallery in Taunton.
The coins, featuring prominent figures such as Harold II and William the Conqueror, provide a unique glimpse into the lives of those who lived during this pivotal period in English history. However, it's not just about reliving the past; Sam Astill, chief executive of South West Heritage Trust, believes that the hoard also offers an opportunity for reflection on contemporary issues such as conflict and social change.
"This is not just about showing off the coins and telling their story," Astill explained. "We want to encourage our visitors to think about turning points in history or in people's lives. The Chew Valley Hoard represents a turning point in our nation's story." By exploring the hoard, visitors will be able to imagine what life was like for those who lived through the tumultuous years following the Norman Conquest, a time of great upheaval and change.
The return of the hoard is made possible by a £993,345 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The two-year engagement project will include various activities, learning opportunities, and events centered around the coins, allowing visitors to delve deeper into their significance and history.
While many are familiar with the Battle of Hastings, fewer people know about the long transition to Norman rule, marked by periods of turmoil and rebellion in the south-west region. The hoard's discovery has shed new light on this period, revealing the complexities of life during that time. Astill notes that the coins may have been deposited for safekeeping during a siege at Exeter in 1068, highlighting the intricate history of resistance to Norman rule.
As the Chew Valley Hoard returns home to Somerset, it's clear that its significance extends beyond its monetary value. By sharing this unique piece of history, the community aims to educate and inspire visitors about a pivotal moment in English history.
The news that a hoard of 2,584 silver coins, worth over £4 million, discovered in the English countryside in 2019, is set to return to the southwest of England in a bid to educate visitors about the tumultuous events that followed the Norman Conquest. The Chew Valley Hoard, which was initially displayed at the British Museum in London, will now be showcased at the Roman Baths Museum in Bath before making its way to a permanent gallery in Taunton.
The coins, featuring prominent figures such as Harold II and William the Conqueror, provide a unique glimpse into the lives of those who lived during this pivotal period in English history. However, it's not just about reliving the past; Sam Astill, chief executive of South West Heritage Trust, believes that the hoard also offers an opportunity for reflection on contemporary issues such as conflict and social change.
"This is not just about showing off the coins and telling their story," Astill explained. "We want to encourage our visitors to think about turning points in history or in people's lives. The Chew Valley Hoard represents a turning point in our nation's story." By exploring the hoard, visitors will be able to imagine what life was like for those who lived through the tumultuous years following the Norman Conquest, a time of great upheaval and change.
The return of the hoard is made possible by a £993,345 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The two-year engagement project will include various activities, learning opportunities, and events centered around the coins, allowing visitors to delve deeper into their significance and history.
While many are familiar with the Battle of Hastings, fewer people know about the long transition to Norman rule, marked by periods of turmoil and rebellion in the south-west region. The hoard's discovery has shed new light on this period, revealing the complexities of life during that time. Astill notes that the coins may have been deposited for safekeeping during a siege at Exeter in 1068, highlighting the intricate history of resistance to Norman rule.
As the Chew Valley Hoard returns home to Somerset, it's clear that its significance extends beyond its monetary value. By sharing this unique piece of history, the community aims to educate and inspire visitors about a pivotal moment in English history.