Museum gets grant to put Norman treasure on display

The hoard is the most valuable ever found in England

A grant of almost £1m will mean a hoard of Norman-era treasure found in the Somerset countryside can be put on permanent display.

The Chew Valley Hoard, which features 2,584 coins dated from just after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, is thought to be the highest-value treasure acquisition on record at £4.3m.

It was found in 2019 by a group out metal detecting in the Chew Valley, who split the findings with the landowner.

The National Lottery grant of £993,345 means the Museum of Somerset will be able to convert its round tower into a permanent exhibition.

The coins were found in the Chew Valley

South West Heritage Trust Chief-Executive Sam Astill said: "The grant really covers investment at the museum.

"It covers engagement activity both on site, online and in the community and of course will ensure that the hall can be securely presented to the public and well interpreted."

It is thought the hoard may have been hidden during a period of turmoil that followed the conquest of England.

"That period isn't well represented, particularly in object terms," Mr Astill explained.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council's executive member for communities, housing and culture, said: "The Chew Valley Hoard is a hugely significant treasure in every sense of the word and we cannot wait to welcome it back home to Somerset.

"Now, thanks to this fantastic investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the excellent work by the South West Heritage Trust, we can ensure an important part of our past is enjoyed and celebrated long into the future."

The new exhibition will open in 2027.