Roman hoard on way back to county

A HOARD of almost 4,000 Roman coins discovered by pair of metal detecting enthusiasts from Redditch is on its way back to the county where it was found.

The treasure has been at the British Museum for conservation and research following its discovery in October 2011 by Jethro Carpenter and Mark Gilmore on Bredon Hill near Pershore while out walking with their metal detectors.

But last year Museums Worcestershire successfully raised the £40,000 needed to bring the haul back to the county.

The bid was supported by over £1,500 worth of donations from residents across the county, £4,500 from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund and £2,250 from the Headley Trust Archaeological Acquisition Fund. Worcestershire Archaeological Society also donated more than £1,000 to the appeal.

The coins will initially go on show in their current state at the County Museum in Hartlebury from March 9 while more money is raised to conserve them and allow them to be displayed across Worcestershire.

Conservation of the hoard will take place at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum later in the year, and residents will be able to watch the work as it happens.

The Roman coins date from 244 AD to 282 AD and span 16 different emperors. Additional research undertaken with the British Museum indicates the hoard was buried nearly a century after it was accumulated - the only known British example.

Coun John Campion, chairman of the Joint Museums Committee, said: "We are very pleased to be able to show the Worcestershire Hoard at Hartlebury whilst fund-raising continues to enable us to conserve the Hoard for future generations. We are very grateful to the communities of Worcestershire who have raised the money needed to acquire the Hoard and we will welcome it back with open arms.

"We hope Worcestershire residents will take the opportunity to come and see the Hoard at Hartlebury, even though it's still covered in mud it is amazing to think this was buried in Worcestershire soil for 1,800 years."

The County Museum is open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

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