In the parish of Beakmarsh, Worcestershire, a group of metal detecting enthusiasts discovered a cache of 63 early medieval Anglo-Saxon coins. Go Detecting (Midlands) Limited submitted an initial report and Worcestershire Archeology subsequently completed an extensive survey and excavation of the site. Most of the coins were minted during the reign of King Burgred of Mercia (AD 852-874) and represent a very interesting period in English history, as illustrated by Worcestershire County Council. Historians believe the coins were intentionally buried sometime between 871 and 874 AD to protect the treasure from invading Viking armies. The discovery of the hoard is unprecedented because it provides archaeological evidence of the circulation of money in specific areas of England during the Anglo-Saxon period. The discovery of this monetary treasure also highlights the importance of archaeologists following standards and reporting regulations to protect and preserve Britain’s cultural heritage.
63 silver coins from king burgred The reign marks a rare find in Worcestershire
The Bickmarsh Hoard contains 63 silver coins and is considered one of the most important monetary finds in Worcestershire’s history. Prior to this discovery, fewer than 100 coins had been recorded in Worcestershire, dating from AD 475 to AD 1000. Most of the coins found were minted during the reign of King Burgred of Mercia and are recorded in Historic England and Worcestershire Council records, suggesting they may have been deposited at a time when the Viking threat to the Kingdom of Mercia was at its worst.
Impact of agricultural activities on hoarding
Burgred, king of Mercia, reigned from 852 to 874 AD. He faced ongoing wars and conflicts with the “Horses of the Heathens” who invaded England in AD 865 and continued to occupy much of England until AD 878. The location of the tombs (circa 871 AD to 874 AD) corresponds to the activity of Viking armies throughout the Midlands. The coin’s recovery pattern suggests that the treasure may have been hidden in a layer of topsoil before subsequent agricultural activities caused the coin’s original shallow environment to be disturbed and mixed with deeper topsoil.
Were the coins originally wrapped?
Professional archaeologists and amateur metal detectorists worked together to conduct the dig. After receiving the first report, the team conducted a geophysical survey followed by targeted excavation. While the team found no structural evidence, 35 small pieces of lead were found near the coin. Experts are investigating whether they are related to the Beakmarsh treasure, as some historical treasures are encased in lead.
