The Chew Valley Hoard: A Rare Glimpse into the Norman Conquest of England

The Chew Valley Hoard – 2,584 silver pennies buried during the Norman Conquest of England, has been acquired by the South West Heritage Trust.

A hoard of 2,584 silver pennies, buried during the Norman Conquest of England, has been acquired by the South West Heritage Trust.

The treasure, valued at £4.3 million, provides a rare glimpse into one of the most turbulent periods in English history and marks the highest-value treasure find ever recorded under the UK’s Treasure Act.

Dating from around 1066–68, the hoard likely represents wealth hidden during the political upheaval following the Battle of Hastings, which led to the Norman Conquest. The hoard consists of 1,343 coins minted by King William I (1066-87), 1,240 from King Harold Godwinson (1066), and a single coin from King Edward ‘The Confessor’ (1042-1066).

The acquisition of the hoard was made possible through significant grants, including £4.4 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £150,000 from Art Fund. Additional support came from local organizations, such as the Friends of the Museum of Somerset.

The treasure will first be displayed at the British Museum in London starting on 26 November 2024, after which it will tour museums across the United Kingdom. Its permanent home will be at the Museum of Somerset.

“The hoard symbolises a pivotal moment in English history and we are delighted to have made this acquisition so that it may be enjoyed by generations to come,” said Sam Astill, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust. “It highlights the power of museums, collections and stories to inspire people and communities and has been made possible thanks to a wide range of partners working together to ensure our heritage is protected and accessible for everyone.”

The hoard was discovered on 26 January 2019 by seven metal detectorists exploring the Chew Valley area of southwest England. Upon discovery, the find was reported through the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme, a program designed to document significant archaeological finds made by the public.

“We are delighted the Chew Valley Hoard has been acquired by the South West Heritage Trust and that our visitors have the chance see it here in London first before it returns home to the Museum of Somerset,” explains Michael Lewis, Head of the Portable Antiquities Scheme. “This incredible acquisition again underlines the importance of the Portable Antiquities Scheme in preserving our nation’s heritage. I want to extend thanks to the British Museum conservators and curators who worked on this project – we are proud of our role in its journey from discovery to display.”

This hoard dates to one of the most significant moments in English history: the transition from English to Norman rule following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The coins reflect the instability of the period, particularly the rebellions against William I’s rule, which were most intense in the southwest region. This was a time when England’s cultural, political, and economic landscape underwent dramatic change, influencing the broader medieval European world.

The public will have the opportunity to view the hoard at the British Museum in November before it begins a nationwide tour.

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

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Top Image: Chew Valley Hoard Conserved © British Museum

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