Thornbury Hoard

The Thornbury Hoard is a collection of Roman coins made from copper alloy that was buried in a ceramic container. It is now preserved and on display at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery for visitors to see.

This coin collection was discovered by chance in a residential garden in the early 2000s and dates from the late Roman period. The hoard spent centuries buried before being unearthed and brought to the museum.

The coins feature Roman imagery and design choices that reflect how money circulated and was valued in daily life. They show what held meaning in the economy of that ancient period.

The original discovery site was a private garden and is not open to the public, but the collection can be visited at the museum in Bristol. The coins are small objects, so visitors should take time to look closely at the details of each piece.

The hoard was found by accident while someone was digging a fishpond in their own garden, making it one of Britain's largest Roman coin discoveries. This shows how valuable archaeological treasures can still turn up in unexpected places beneath modern neighborhoods.

GPS coordinates: 51.60940,-2.52490

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:22