Discovered in 2011 near the village of Silverdale in Lancashire, England, the Silverdale Hoard is one of the most significant Viking-era treasure finds made in the British Isles. Weighing over 1.6 kilograms, the hoard includes more than 200 items buried around AD 900, a turbulent time in England’s history marked by conflict and cultural exchange between Anglo-Saxons and Norse settlers.
The hoard was found by a metal detectorist and declared treasure under the Treasure Act 1996. It consists of a rich variety of silver items, including coins, arm-rings, ingots and hacksilver. Notably, it includes both complete artefacts and fragments that had been cut for use as bullion, reflecting a mixed economy where silver was used both as currency and raw material.
Among the standout items is a coin bearing the name of a previously unknown Viking ruler, Airdeconut, which suggests there were more Norse leaders operating in Northumbria during this period than previously recorded. This coin alone has reshaped our understanding of power dynamics in Viking-controlled England.
Other coins in the hoard come from a wide geographical range, including Anglo-Saxon England, the Islamic world, and continental Europe, illustrating the broad trade networks that connected the Viking world. The mix of styles and origins also reflects the cultural fluidity of the Danelaw, where Norse and Anglo-Saxon customs intermingled.
The jewellery and silverwork found in the hoard feature classic Viking motifs such as twisted arm-rings, which would have signified wealth and status. The hoard likely belonged to a wealthy individual or was part of a communal cache, possibly hidden during a period of unrest.
Now held by Lancaster City Museum, the Silverdale Hoard provides valuable insight into Viking activity in north-west England and remains a focal point for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the Viking Age and the complex history of early medieval Britain.
The Silverdale Hoard, discovered in 2011 near Silverdale, Lancashire, has been displayed at various locations over the years. As of now, the hoard is not on permanent public display. However, it has been showcased at several venues, including Lancaster City Museum, the Museum of Lancashire in Preston, and the Jorvik Viking Centre in York. Plans have also been discussed to display the hoard at the Maritime Museum in Lancaster as part of their centenary celebrations
For the most current information on where the Silverdale Hoard is being exhibited, it’s advisable to check with local museums or the Lancashire Museums Service.
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