The Leader of Staffordshire County Council has vowed to “do justice” to the UK’s largest discovery of Anglo-Saxon gold artefacts which was found in a field near Lichfield.
The pieces were uncovered by 55-year-old Burntwood man Terry Herbert and have now been officially classified as treasure by the South Staffordshire Coroner – meaning the collection is now likely to move to a museum.
The Staffordshire Hoard, as the collection is know known, consists of more than 1,500 items, probably dating from the seventh or eight centuries.
Philip Atkins said:
“This is a world class find, and possibly the most significant treasure discovery in the British Isles since the Sutton Hoo excavations of 1939. When the South Staffordshire Coroner, Andrew Haigh, formerly declared the Hoard to be treasure it cleared the way for the Hoard to be acquired by a museum.
“Staffordshire County Council will play a full role in this process in the best interests of the people of Staffordshire. This is our heritage and we need to do it justice.”
There was no indication from Cllr Atkins about whether or not the collection would remain in Staffordshire or even the region.
It is currently being held at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery while it is catalogued and valued.
Cllr Atkins added that the decision would be made by a variety of organisations. He explained:
“This will be a lengthy and complex process. It is also important to note that this will be a partnership effort. Our neighbouring authorities in Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham have also expressed an interest in the acquisition. Other significant players in the process will include The British Museum and English Heritage.”
This needs a purpose build museum in the Lichfield area – could be a centre for Anglo Saxon English history – it would bring in thousands of tourists every year.
We can’t let this disappear off to London.
Once the find is valued the various interested museums will need to raise the cash to buy it. It belongs to the landowner and the finder. The treasure declaration formalises the process by which it is sold effectively giving museums first refusal.
Councilor Atkins seems to be jumping on a bandwagon. Opportunistic politico spouting nonsense again? Certainly looks like it unless he knows of a large pot of money the council have set aside for buying shiny things.
Lets hope Gordon Brown doesn’t get his hands on it…