Staffordshire Hoard Archaeological Site
Largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver artifacts
The Staffordshire Hoard is the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork recovered from a single find. Museums display jewel-encrusted sword fittings and ecclesiastical pieces that illuminate early medieval craftsmanship.
Staffordshire Hoard at a Glance#
About Staffordshire Hoard#
The Staffordshire Hoard is a large collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork uncovered in Staffordshire, England, and is the largest hoard of its type discovered to date. The find consists predominantly of militaria and high-status decorative fittings.
The hoard comprises approximately 3,500 fragments and objects, many richly decorated, and has been the subject of research exhibitions and public displays. Major portions of the hoard are on display in regional museums with rotating exhibitions for specialists and the public.
The hoard was discovered by a metal-detectorist in Staffordshire in 2009 and subsequently purchased for the public by a consortium of museums and heritage bodies. Since the discovery it has been conserved, catalogued, and studied by archaeologists and conservators.
The objects were found within Staffordshire in central England; individual pieces are now displayed at museums including Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent, where they can be viewed as part of curated exhibitions.
- Scale of the hoard: Comprises roughly 3,500 pieces of gold and silver metalwork, concentrated on ornate martial and ceremonial fittings.
- Discovery and acquisition: Discovered in Staffordshire in 2009 and subsequently acquired by public museums for study and display across the UK.
What to See#
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: Holds a major portion of the hoard and has mounted long-term displays and special exhibitions dedicated to the find.
- The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery: Also hosts parts of the hoard and displays objects alongside Staffordshire and Anglo-Saxon collections in Stoke-on-Trent.
Tips for Visiting Staffordshire Hoard#
- Confirm where the Staffordshire Hoard is on display before you travel - the hoard has been exhibited in different museums and galleries and may rotate between venues.
- Visit on a weekday and ask at the venue about guided talks or conservation displays: the contextual and conservation information often provides far more insight than the objects alone and is sometimes missed by casual drop-in visitors.
Best Time to Visit Staffordshire Hoard#
Visit the Staffordshire Hoard on weekday mornings outside the summer school holiday period for the quietest indoor viewing experience.
Weather & Climate near Staffordshire Hoard#
Staffordshire Hoard's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (806 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 6° | 0° | 77 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 56 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.7h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 9° | 2° | 61 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 5° | 54 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 15° | 11° | 58 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 9° - 18° | 13° | 69 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 11° - 20° | 16° | 56 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 11° - 20° | 16° | 72 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 69 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 8° | 74 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 4° | 80 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 80 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
