'Very rare' coin hoard reveals Anglo Saxon life

An "exceptionally rare" coin hoard has given new clues about life in 9th Century Worcestershire, historians have said.

At first, metal detectorists from Go Detecting (Midlands) uncovered a few silver coins in a field near Bickmarsh, close to the Warwickshire border, in 2022.

But it soon became clear there were more, and 63 coins were found in total, said Worcestershire County Council. Its archaeology team carried out surveys and excavations to investigate the site further.

Experts believe the coins, buried between AD 871 and 874, were perhaps hidden for safekeeping at "a time of trouble when Viking armies were moving across England".

The coins date from the Anglo Saxon period, when different kingdoms ruled England, and most were made for King Burgred of Mercia, the council added.

Some of the coins came from other parts of Europe, showing how people travelled and traded over long distances.

"This is a fascinating discovery that provides a new glimpse into Worcestershire's past," said Ian Cresswell, cabinet member for environment and communities.

"It's a great example of how the work of our archaeology team and partners helps bring our history to life and connect us to our heritage."

"Through new research, the project is now sharing insights into the hoard and what it can tell us about the people who lived in Worcestershire more than 1,100 years ago," the council said.

The project has been carried out by the council's Historic Environment Record (HER), working with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

Information about the hoard will be added to the county's HER which keeps track of archaeological sites, finds and places across Worcestershire.

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