UK’s biggest hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure is found

For the man with a metal detector who stumbled across it, this was better than winning the lottery. For archaeologists, it is quite simply Britain’s biggest ever haul of Anglo-Saxon treasure.

Some 1,500 gold and silver pieces make up the fantastic find. Dating back to the seventh century, it is set to revolutionise understanding of the Anglo-Saxon era.

Archaeologist Dr Kevin Leahy described the discovery as an, “incredible collection of material, absolutely unprecedented”.

He went on: “We have been asked, ‘Is this the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found in this country?’ Really, it is the only hoard we have ever found. We have moved into new ground with this material.”

An amateur enthusiast unearthed the treasure in the field of a farmer friend in central England. Believed to be worth a seven figure sum, it has been officially declared Crown property. But the proceeds from its sale will be split between both the farmer and the finder, who can now look forward to becoming millionaires.

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tags: Society, United Kingdom