In 2019, seven detectorists found 2,584 silver pennies in a Somerset field; five years later...

A collection of 2,584 Norman-era silver pennies found by seven metal detectorists in a Somerset field has been acquired for the nation at a value of £4.3 million, making it the most valuable treasure find in British history. The South West Heritage Trust secured the ancient coins, known as the Chew Valley Hoard, after five years of formal processing under the Treasure Act 1996. The purchase was made possible by a £4,420,527 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with £150,000 from the Art Fund and support from local charities. Dating from 1066 to 1068, the coins offer rare physical evidence of the political unrest that followed the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England. Under the laws covering treasure finds in England, the £4.3 million payment is divided equally. Half goes to the landowner, while the other half is shared by the seven people who found the coins.Discovery in a muddy fieldThe discovery was made on 26 January 2019, when Adam Staples and his former partner Lisa Grace, along with five friends they were training, were searching an unused field in the Chew Valley. Their metal detectors began giving strong signals, leading the group to uncover...