Donations secure coin hoard future

Buy photos » Coun John Campion is delighted the Roman hoard can stay in the county. (s

THE LARGEST haul of Roman treasure ever found in Worcestershire will be staying in the county, museum bosses have announced.

The Bredon Hoard, made up of almost 4,000 Roman coins, was discovered on Bredon Hill near Evesham last year by metal detecting enthusiasts Jethro Carpenter and Mark Gilmore.

Research carried out by Worcestershire Archaeology and Archives Service with the British Museum discovered the hoard was buried nearly a century after it was accumulated - the only known example in Britain - meaning the coins were of unique and national significance.

But their importance meant Worcestershire County Council had to raise about £40,000 to display them in the area rather than at the British Museum in London.

A fund-raising appeal was launched and so far a total of £9,000 has been raised through private donations, a grant from Worcestershire Archaeological Society and a successful application to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) Purchase Grant Fund, meaning they can stay in the county.

The appeal will now continue to raise the remaining £30,000 needed to conserve and display the hoard across Worcestershire.

Council bosses said public demand to see the hoard had been so overwhelming that when it returns to the county early next year it will be displayed in its unconserved state at Hartlebury while fund-raising continues.

Coun John Campion, chairman of the joint museums committee, said: “We are extremely proud that the public have worked with us to secure the hoard for the county.

“Residents have been fantastic at coming forward with their donations and we are very grateful to the V&A Purchase Grant Fund for providing the grant which has meant we can keep the Hoard."

“Museums Worcestershire will continue to fund-raise to conserve and display the coins for the county.”

People can still offer their support and make a donation by visiting the online giving page at www.charitychoice.co.uk/worcestershire-hoard/ or by visiting the Museums Worcestershire website www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Money can also be given by texting COIN11 and the amount to 70070, e.g. COIN11 £5 to donate £5, or by popping into the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, the Commandery in Worcester or the County Museum at Hartlebury.

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