What’s the biggest treasure hoard found in the UK?
The Staffordshire Hoard, discovered on 5 July 2009, is the UK’s most valuable treasure find. The 3,900 pieces of early Anglo-Saxon treasure found in a field near Lichfield, Staffordshire, were valued at an amazing £3.29 million ($5.3 million). The find contains five kilograms (11 pounds) of gold, 1.4 kilograms (three pounds) of silver, copper and 3,500 red cloisonné garnets – possibly from Sri Lanka. Experts have many theories for who buried the treasure, including soldiers and thieves. It mainly consists of richly decorated war gear from the seventh and eighth-century kingdom of Mercia. The sword hilts, filigree animals, processional crosses, helmet cheekpieces and other equipment are among the best Anglo-Saxon art ever discovered.
Metal detector fan Terry Herbert made the find, which contained three times more gold than the famous Sutton Hoo royal ship burial – a magnificent hoard unearthed in 1939.
Answered by Vivienne Raper