The Staffordshire Hoard is a collection of around 4,000 Anglo-Saxon gold and silver items, most of which are military pieces. Discovered in 2009 by a metal detectorist in Hammerwich, England, the hoard was found buried in the soil and later excavated with the help of Birmingham Archaeology. After a 10-year conservation and research project, the findings were published in 2019 in a book titled “The Staffordshire Hoard: An Anglo-Saxon Treasure.”
Dating back to the 7th century, archaeologists believe the Staffordshire Hoard was buried between 650-675 AD. Many of the items found in the hoard are pieces of jewelry such as brooches and pendants. The uniqueness of the hoard lies in the fact that it is mainly made up of war gear, with a valuable ancient war helmet being one of the most significant items discovered. Despite being broken into 1,000 pieces, replicas of the helmet have been created and are on display at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
The majority of the Staffordshire Hoard consists of fragmented pieces, with 700 items being put together from these fragments. Swords make up a large portion of the collection, with most of the items being made of gold. Since gold does not corrode in soil, the precious metal has been well-preserved over the centuries. While there are around 150 silver items in the collection, the reason why the hoard was buried in the first place remains a mystery, with theories suggesting it could have been an offering to the gods.
Visitors can now see the Staffordshire Hoard at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent. The discovery of the hoard has provided valuable insights into Anglo-Saxon history, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and military prowess of the period. Through careful cleaning, x-rays, and research, archaeologists have been able to piece together more information about this remarkable collection, shedding light on the mysteries of its origins and purpose. Despite some unanswered questions, the Staffordshire Hoard stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Anglo-Saxon people.
