In the process of excavating the site for the Sizewell C nuclear power station, Oxford Cotswold Archaeology has discovered a hoard of coins from the 11th century in mint condition. The team found a coveted cache of 321 silver coins in a cloth package which they believe could have been the savings pot of a local figure who was afraid of changes in policy after the coronation of Edward the Confessor in 1042. The coins were spread across the countryside, although most were minted in London, while others were struck in Thetford, Norwich, Ipswich, Lincoln, and Stamford.
The archaeologists think that the pile of coins, which was found wrapped in a cloth bundle barely larger than a Cornish pasty, belonged to a person of middle status rather than someone of high status or national importance since it was a considerable sum of money for most people at the time. The researchers suggest it could belong to someone who was prevented from returning to the location, or someone who died before they could return, or they were unable to relocate the exact spot where they buried the coins.
Archaeologist Andrew Pegg, who found the coins, was shaking with excitement when he first uncovered a single coin: “A perfect archaeological time capsule. The information we are learning from it is stunning and I’m so proud to have added to the history of my little part of Suffolk.” Damian Leydon, who is the site delivery director at Sizewell C, stated that this discovery will open a window to the history of Britain: “In partnership with Oxford Cotswold Archaeology, we plan to make these discoveries as accessible to the public as possible.”
Besides the hoard of coins, the site has inexplicably turned out several items of interest and intrigue, including a wooden axle from a chariot or cart, which dates back to the Iron Age period, as well as artefacts from World War II. The discovery will be broadcast during the new season of Digging for Britain on BBC 2 and iPlayer, at 20:00 GMT
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
