Website Shines New Light On Most Valuable Treasure Ever Found In The UK

Pieces from the Staffordshire Hoard

Star items from the most valuable treasure ever found in the UK are being shown in breathtaking close-up detail on a new revamped website for the Staffordshire Hoard

Stunning photographs, video footage and a wealth of historic and educational information about the Staffordshire Hoard have been pulled together for the first time on the site. And over the coming months a gallery of images will be posted to show the Anglo-Saxon artefacts as they are conserved, in dazzling detail.

The new look site has had a complete makeover to mark the week of the one-year anniversary since the record £3.3m was raised to save the treasure for the nation.

The site has been designed and built by Lichfield District Council, on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Birmingham City Council, who own the hoard. The site is supported by Staffordshire County Council and Tamworth Borough Council, and includes details of the Mercian Trail Partnership which is seeing all of the authorities work together to use the treasure to raise the profile of the region.

Sections of the site also explore conservation and research processes being used on the hoard, including introductions to the experts who are examining it, what work they will be doing and a blog which will be updated regularly by Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham teams.

Councillor Hazel Lyth, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “Interest in the Staffordshire Hoard has been phenomenal since the day it was found, with people from across the globe following this unparalleled treasure.

“A website was launched when the hoard was discovered which gave basic information about what the treasure is and how it was found. But this site has been completely revamped and relaunched in time to mark the year anniversary of the hoard being saved. It is now a site worthy of such a splendid treasure and one that will be an invaluable resource for scholars, professionals, the media and interested people.”

The Staffordshire Hoard comprises over 3,700 gold and silver artefacts dating back to the seventh century. They were found by a metal detector enthusiast on a farmer’s field, and are thought to be the high-status booty of an Anglo-Saxon battle, with exquisitely designed sword pommels, helmet fragments and several bejewelled crosses.

Councillor Martin Mullaney, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: “This is a fabulous site which gives a fascinating insight into the hoard, showing its beauty in ways that haven’t been available before.

“For example, star items, such as a helmet cheek piece, are shown in glorious detail, including information about their height, dimensions, material, what we know about them and what they might have been used for – so people can understand the fine detail about individual items.”

The site also promotes this summer’s regional tour of the hoard, which will see over 40 star items displayed at Lichfield Cathedral, Stafford’s Shire Hall and Tamworth Castle, as well as other major Anglo-Saxon artefacts including the Lichfield Angel and St Chad Gospels.

To find out how to book your tickets for the Staffordshire Hoard on tour, visit http://www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk/2011-tour

For further information on the hoard:  http://www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk