Nuclear site donates 11th Century coins

The coins will be looked after by Suffolk County Council's Archaeological Service

A hoard of historical coins uncovered during excavations for a new power plant have been donated to the local council for safe keeping.

Suffolk County Council's Archaeological Service (SCCAS) said it had been given 321 "mint condition" silver coins which were found close to where Sizewell C is being built.

A team from Oxford Cotswold Archaeology discovered the coins in April 2023, which were wrapped in material shaped like a pasty.

The haul included coins minted between 1036 and 1044.

Debbie Richards, Suffolk County Council's deputy cabinet member for archaeology and landscape partnerships, said she was "thrilled" with the donation.

"Our officers monitor all archaeological projects in the county to ensure excavation is carried out to a high standard," she explained.

The haul includes coins minted between 1036 and 1044

The hoard will be made available to researchers, and museums can also apply for a short-term loan.

Though a large proportion of the coins were minted in London, many were struck at other locations including Thetford in Norfolk, Norwich, Ipswich, Lincoln and Stamford - also in Lincolnshire.

Archaeologists speculated whether the coins were the savings of a local figure who buried them as a precaution in the face of the social and political upheaval in the 11th Century.

The bundle was unearthed during excavations at the Sizewell C power station site

Damian Leydon, site delivery director at Sizewell C, said: "It is important for us that the Sizewell C project respects the history that lies underneath the site.

"And it is equally important that we find a way to keep the treasures and discoveries in their Suffolk home for people to see.

"This is the best possible way to ensure their conservation and make them accessible to researchers and the public."