Bitterley Hoard

The Bitterley Hoard is a coin collection in Shropshire, England, containing one gold coin and 137 silver coins stored in a leather purse inside a pottery vessel called a tyg. The assembly shows typical characteristics of hidden wealth from the period and is now displayed at Ludlow Museum.

The hoard is dated after 1644, as it contains coins from Edward VI to Charles I and was likely buried during the English Civil War. The burial of these valuables shows how people tried to protect their wealth during this unstable period.

The discovery demonstrates responsible metal detecting practices, as the finder left the artifacts untouched for professional archaeological examination. This approach allows museums today to preserve and display the objects in their original state.

The collection can be viewed at Ludlow Museum, where volunteer members raised funds for its permanent display. A visit allows you to see the coins and container up close and understand their context.

The coins were found in their original leather purse and ceramic container, making it one of the most complete assemblages of its kind. This preservation offers rare insight into how people stored money in earlier times.

GPS coordinates: 52.39500,-2.64500

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:41