NEWS FROM ST JOHNS HOUSE, LICHFIELD
The Largest Hoard Of Anglo-Saxon Treasure Found In Staffordshire
The largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure ever found in the UK has been turned up by metal detectors working in a field in Staffordshire.
The Hoard was first discovered in July 2009 and is likely to spark decades of debate among archaeologists, historians and enthusiasts.
The Hoard is by far the largest find of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found and comprises in excess of 1,500 individual items weighing approximately 5 kg in gold and 2.5kg in silver.
A selection of the hoard is being displayed at the Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery until 13th October 2009.
The quality of the craftsmanship displayed on many items is supreme, indicating possible royal ownership.
Stylistically most items appear to date from the seventh century, although there is already debate among experts about when the Hoard first entered the ground. This was a period of great turmoil. England did not yet exist. A number of kingdoms with tribal loyalties vied with each other in a state of perpetual warfare, with the balance of power constantly ebbing and flowing.
The land was also split along religious lines. Christianity, introduced during the Roman occupation then driven to near extinction, was once again the principal religion, having gained ground at the expense of local pagan forms of worship.
The exact spot where the Hoard lay hidden cannot yet be revealed. However we can say that it lay at the heart of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia.
Johann Popp, proprietor of luxury boutique bed and breakfast St Johns House and keen historian commented: "Being based in Lichfield which is only 21 miles from where the hoard was discovered is extremely exciting. It's a great boost for the local area's heritage."
For further information on the hoard email Richard Caddy Communications Manager, Staffordshire County Council richard.caddy@staffordshire.gov.uk
St Johns House is a luxury boutique Bed & Breakfast located in the centre of Lichfield. The AA has awarded St Johns House with it's Highly Commended Four Star Rating which donates that St Johns House is in the top ten percent of the four star rating.
For information on availability and rates phone Johann Popp on +44 (0) 1543 252 080 or email luxury@stjohnshouse.co.uk. Further information can be found at www.stjohnshouse.co.uk
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