Discovered by a metal detectorist near Lichfield (north of Birmingham), in July 2009, the Staffordshire Hoard contains a unique combination of objects ― mostly military but with some of the emerging Church. Made mainly between c. 570 and c. 650 AD, almost all the objects are of gold or silver, many with inlaid garnets, and they display exquisite craftwork and artistry.
However, the collection is very fragmented. Almost all of its fittings were dismantled from larger objects, mainly swords ― the principal weapon of the age ― but also from saddles, reliquaries, a cross-standard and a royal helmet. Inevitably, the incredible finds asks critical questions, why and how was it brought together at the heart of one of England’s greatest kingdoms ― Mercia ― and who could have buried it?
Speakers: Chris Fern and Jo Caruth