Silverdale Hoard, Viking treasure collection in Silverdale, England
The Silverdale Hoard is a collection of over 200 silver artifacts including coins, jewelry, arm rings, and ingots found in Lancashire in 2011. These objects were stored together in a lead container and reveal the wealth and trade networks of the early medieval region.
The collection dates to the 9th century and was discovered by metal detectorist Darren Webster buried about 40 centimeters below the surface. The objects were likely hidden during the Viking conflicts that swept through the region, when control of territories frequently shifted.
The collection displays metalworking techniques from Irish, Anglo-Saxon, and Carolingian sources, showing how different European traditions came together in medieval Britain. This blend of styles reflects the trading networks and cultural connections that shaped the region's economy.
The collection is maintained by Lancashire Museums Service and travels between different exhibition spaces for public viewing. Check ahead to see where the objects are currently displayed, as they rotate between museums.
One of the coins bears the inscription AIRDECONUT, naming a Viking ruler previously unknown from historical records. This unexpected discovery has expanded what we know about the leaders and power structures of this part of England.
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