In the parish of Bixmarsh, Worcestershire, a group of metal-detecting enthusiasts found a large hoard of 63 early medieval Anglo-Saxon coins. A preliminary report was submitted by Go Detecting (Midlands) Ltd, and following this, Worcestershire Archeology completed a comprehensive survey and excavation of the site. Most of the coins were minted during the reign of King Burgherred of Mercia (AD 852-874) and represent a very interesting time period in the history of England, according to a study published by Worcestershire County Council. Historians believe that these coins were deliberately buried sometime between 871 and 874 AD to protect the treasure from invasion by Viking armies. The discovery of this hoard is unprecedented, as it provides archaeological evidence for the circulation of money within a defined area of England during the Anglo-Saxon period. The discovery of this hoard also highlights the importance of following standards and reporting rules for archaeologists to protect and preserve Britain’s cultural heritage.
63 silver coins were found from king burgerA rare find in Worcestershire marks the reign of
Containing 63 silver coins, the Bickmarsh hoard is considered one of the most important discoveries of wealth in the history of Worcestershire. Before this discovery, there were less than 100 coins recorded in Worcestershire, dating between 475 AD and 1000 AD. Most of the coins recovered were minted during the reign of King Berfred of Mercia and are recorded in both Historic England and Worcestershire City Council records, suggesting that they were likely deposited at the height of the Viking threat to the Kingdom of Mercia.
Impact of agricultural activity on hoarding
King Burgred of Mercia ruled from 852 AD to 874 AD. They faced ongoing warfare and conflict with the ‘Great Heathen Army’, which invaded England in 865 AD and continued to occupy large parts of England until 878 AD. The geographical location of the burial (circa AD 871–874 AD) coincides with the movement of Viking armies throughout the Midlands. The pattern of recovery of the coins suggests that the treasure may have been hidden in a layer of topsoil, before later agricultural activity caused the original, shallow context of the coins to be disturbed and mixed with the deeper topsoil.
Were the coins originally wrapped?
Both professional archaeologists and amateur metal-detector enthusiasts worked together to carry out this excavation. After the first report, a geophysical survey was conducted and then the team conducted targeted excavations. While the team found no structural evidence, 35 small pieces of lead sheet were found around the coins. Experts are investigating whether they are connected to the Bickmarsh Hoard, as some historical hoards were wrapped in lead.